Back in the day, economists thought that tribal people used straight up barter to swap goods and services. This guy suggests that it’s more likely that people would just share/give each other what was needed. Spearmakers would make spears and let anyone in the tribe grab one, and the spearmaker would be fed by all. From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.
This was not communism. This was carefully enforced fairness. People gave the spearmaker food in return for his efforts, and when he wasn’t making spears he was expected to fend for himself.
Communism doesn’t have to have to be top-down. I honestly don’t believe that it ever can be, and that people who try to do things that way are either naive and doomed to failure or liars doing a great job manipulating everyone.
I think the key difference is that good behavior was facilitated and enforced by personal relationships. It’s not clear how this social arrangement could exist at larger scales.
tl, dr.
Back in the day, economists thought that tribal people used straight up barter to swap goods and services. This guy suggests that it’s more likely that people would just share/give each other what was needed. Spearmakers would make spears and let anyone in the tribe grab one, and the spearmaker would be fed by all. From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.
That’s inside of a tribe. Between tribes might have been different.
If there are no benefits to hoarding surplus, then people don’t.
I have the impression you are mixing up topics. This video is talking about the myth of barter as the predecessor of money.
This was not communism. This was carefully enforced fairness. People gave the spearmaker food in return for his efforts, and when he wasn’t making spears he was expected to fend for himself.
Well I think it’s communism
Sees bottom up, emergent organization.
Communism doesn’t have to have to be top-down. I honestly don’t believe that it ever can be, and that people who try to do things that way are either naive and doomed to failure or liars doing a great job manipulating everyone.
20th century Marxism polluted the word Communism. even Marx said he would not call himself a Marxist.
The administration of things is still a state no matter how much they wish it wasn’t.
I think the key difference is that good behavior was facilitated and enforced by personal relationships. It’s not clear how this social arrangement could exist at larger scales.
At had a few things that look similar, but it was nothing like what Marx imagined.
Marx isn’t the only communist philosopher
Thanks!