Why Socialism Always Fails

I am alarmed over the numerous issues plaguing our deteriorating American culture, but one specific issue rises above all the others. I am appalled at our citizens’ lack of a fundamental knowledge of world and American history, especially for those Americans under the age of 40. Those over 40 have no excuse. For example, I am dumfounded by today’s fascination with and acceptance of socialism.

History is littered with brilliant minds who were convinced collectivism and socialism were the certain and proper methods of organizing societies to bring about the greatest freedom and prosperity for all the people. Notwithstanding the nature of humans, it is difficult to argue against this ideology. However, the humans really muck things up; but I’m getting ahead of myself.

You would have expected, following the first few failures of socialist-styled economic systems, that contemporary  leaders and thinkers would have re-visited the basic tenets of their ideology and identified the primary reasons for its failure. But that didn’t happen and what we have experienced over the last two centuries and continuing today are repeated attempts to establish socialistic systems -- all meeting with the same result, collapse and failure. I really don’t believe this is all that difficult to explain.

First, we must consider the nature of humans. To begin, we must answer the question, did and does ambition and greed and the desire for power, influence and relevance exist among the peoples of the Soviet Union, Communist China, North Korea, Socialist Venezuela, Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy? Of course! These are not qualities found exclusively in capitalist societies; they are intrinsic to humanity. It is because of these qualities humans have become incredibly clever in their ability to survive even in the direst of situations. The strongest and most ambitious will find ways and means to thrive in such environments. In each country above, there existed and exists an elite ruling class which has afforded themselves greater privileges than were available to the masses. One may argue, ‘that is their just reward for serving the people’. However, the lengths to which they will go to protect, sustain and enhance their privileges is where the system begins to fall apart. How much is enough if it all can be confiscated without due process? The “deep-state” is nothing new.

We also must admit humans are not created with all the same talents, gifts, and attributes. Some are hard workers, some are not. Some believe in fair play, others not so much. Some are content and happy, others are jealous and resentful. Some are controlling and judgmental, others are more tolerant and forgiving. These and many other human qualities are found in every culture regardless of its societal platform. However, these qualities are less apparent and more destructive in socialist societies because these societies are so desperately dependent on everyone working as hard as the other person. Where there is no reward or recognition for fulfilling your duties and obligations or for going above and beyond, it is difficult if not impossible to sustain any kind of standards or expectations. When a government coerces the behavior of the governed by and through the application of controls and disincentives, the society as a whole descends to the level of its lowest common denominator.

I offer one last explanation as to why socialism wasn’t pronounced dead long ago. As each generation arrives and begins to contemplate their existence, there is a universal conviction among this generation that all previous generations were simply a prelude to their own existence. That is, they believe their generation is the one the world was created for. They do everything they can to assert and secure this anointment, often and unwittingly repeating the patterns of their elders and ancestors. If something had been tried and failed, the fault lies in the execution, not in the concept or doctrine. If you listen closely, you’ll often hear them say, “we’ll do it right this time”, completely ignoring the lessons of history. This is why you can’t have a rational discussion with a young socialist. As for the older ones, socialism is simply a means to an end.

Now, I have not put forth any new revelations nor related any unique perspectives. All of what I have written is a product of studying history and of observation, and it brings to mind George Santayana’s often repeated quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”