Seize the memes of production

There are two types of freedom: freedom to do what you like, and freedom from the actions of others. As explored in Handmaid's Tale, forced suppression of individual freedoms for the common good, is often corrupted to serve those in power. In the twentieth century this played out on the World stage, with individual freedoms restored after WW2 in the West, and curtailed in the East. This failed experiment cost 100 million deaths in Communist countries. Yet a new wave of Socialism has emerged in America, with polls showing 41% viewing it positively. How does the meme of Marxism persist?

It might be dangerous for society, but not necessarily for the average host. Unless you have a talent for achievement, freedom is a burden. Better to join a mass movement, and escape individual responsibility, while doing your part for a better future. It helps that the Communism meme agitates its hosts into neutralising rival memes, through censorship and police action against political deviants.

Capitalism radically increases living standards, at the expense of unpalatable inequality. Even red-blooded capitalists agree we need some form of government to protect us from mercenary behavior. In experiments apes behave purely selfishly when given the opportunity, whereas humans cooperate against our own interest: implying collectivism separates us from the animals. Take this too far, and eventually Atlas shrugs – the most productive people opt out – and the system suffers rapid collapse. As parodied in Animal Farm: “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”.

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