Single Idea 21996

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

Full Idea

The realm of freedom actually begins only where labour which is determined by necessity and mundane considerations ceases.

Gist of Idea

Freedom only comes when labour is no longer necessary

Source

Karl Marx (Capital Vol. 3 [1873], p.496), quoted by Peter Singer - Marx 8

Book Reference

Singer,Peter: 'Marx' [OUP 1996], p.54


A Reaction

This is a bit discouraging fo idealistic dreamers. Modern political thought needs an ecological dimension to this problem. If society always needs a fair degree of labour, there must be a way to maximise freedom in that context.