Critique of the Gotha Program Quotes
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Source: Critique of the Gotha Program
Author: Karl Marx
From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.
Context
This line was written by Karl Marx in the Critique of the Gotha Program (1875).
So Karl Marx had a lot of big ideas, which is why we're still studying Marxism today. He had a lot to say about equality, power, and society, and his ideas applied to everything from literary theory to government.
In this quote, Marx just wants everyone to work together for the good of the team. It's a nice idea in theory, but not so much in practice. In this letter, he lays out how communism should work, with this phrase being the basic goal of the movement.
Where you've heard it
Believe it or not, Papa Smurf has been heard saying this exact quote.
People have also referenced the phrase Biblically, i.e. in this verse in Matthew.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
So if you're going to take an idea from Communism and start using it, this is a good starting point.