Socialism and “Human Nature”

When Socialists expound their case, they are invariably confronted with the question “What about human nature?” The poser of that question considers most, or a fair proportion, of human beings to be constituted in such a manner by nature that a stateless society in which everyone has free access to the means of life, and works voluntarily, is impossible.

The approach of the Scientific Socialist is fundamentally different. He sees Man as the product of his environment, the material world. Man, by changing his environment, changes himself. It is the squalor of the slums and the. boredom of suburbia which create viciousness and hatred. Workers compete for jobs and are constantly frustrated. In wartime murder and hatred are glorified. Most workers are engaged in work which has little variety. They do not own the machines which they operate and have no control over the disposal of their produce, which belongs to their employer. Thus they lack all incentive.

How will Socialism change these conditions? The means of life, which now belong to a tiny minority, the capitalist class, will belong to society. Production will not be carried on in the interests of a tiny minority, but for the benefit of society as a whole. Therefore it will be in the interest of every individual to give his utmost to society. The resources of society will be utilised to make life and work pleasant. Every individual will have the opportunity to employ and to develop all his talents. He will share in the ownership and control of the productive forces, just as he participates in their operation. Variety will replace the monotony which is derived from being tied to one job in the division of labour.

Individual experience shows that when peoples’ environment changes, they adapt themselves to their new conditions and change. History likewise shows that whenever man revolutionises his environment, it changes him.

F.T.