Single Idea 5304

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 9. Communism]

Full Idea

The distinguishing feature of Communism is not the abolition of property generally, but the abolition of bourgeois property.

Clarification

The 'bourgeois' own the means of production

Gist of Idea

Communism aims to abolish not all property, but bourgeois property

Source

K Marx / F Engels (The Communist Manifesto [1848], §2)

Book Reference

Marx,K./Engels,F.: 'The Communist Manifesto', ed/tr. Taylor,A.J.P. [Penguin 1973], p.96


A Reaction

This is a sinister remark which has led to huge numbers of murders in the Soviet Union and China. People resent having their property 'abolished', especially if they have worked hard for it. But most of our wealth is owned by about 2% of our people.