Capitalism – Curse or Blessing

Karl Marx obviously thought capitalism was a curse and considered that wealth should be controlled by the state for the benefit of all. But in an imperfect world communism failed to deliver and has virtually ceased to exist. Communism and capitalism are based on envy and greed respectively.  In this article we will look at the plus side, and the negative side, of capitalism and ask the question, “is there a better way”?

Some questions:

• Is the way now clear for un-bridled capitalism to take control?
• Should capitalism be left to its own devices, or does it need to be controlled in some way?
• Could the world divided into nation states control the multi-national corporations in any realistic way?

The “blessings” of capitalism

• Large companies can spend money doing research and development which small concerns cannot do. For example, life-saving drugs and medical equipment.
• Competition hopefully keeps prices down so long as there are no price-fixing arrangements or cartels.
• The ability to take risks, which would be unacceptable for governments or non-profit organisations.
• Capitalism does produce wealth though the principal of the wealth “trickling down” is much disputed.

The “curses” of capitalism

• The quest for profit only benefits a few share-holders, not workers, consumers, or the community at large.
• Because capitalism requires continual economic growth, it will inevitably deplete the finite natural resources of the Earth.
• Where they exist, monopolies stifle competition and maximise prices
• Capitalism tends to promote inequality, widening the gap between rich and poor.
• Capitalism benefits from high unemployment to keep wages low and this can be a hidden political agenda.
• Slavery in its various forms is completely compatible with capitalism, and still exists in many countries of the world.
• Legal and illegal practises such as corruption, exploitation and violence are sometimes used to increase profitability at the expense of the society as a whole.

Unfettered capitalism

I once worked for a small company in which its founder stated, was “run for the benefits of its employees”. We became very profitable and I became a minor owner (15%). When the company was eventually taken over my share enabled me to set up a charity (Kingscare). So capitalism is not all bad!

But I am particularly concerned that national, and international, laws control the excesses of capitalism and protect the human race from those who would use capitalism to exploit and control. Without restraints, there is no reason why the wealth of the whole world should not be in the hands of a single person.

We need laws in place to;

• Prevent monopolies
• Stop price-fixing
• Abolish corruption
• Ensure workers earn a minimum living wage
• Encourage a system where there is work for everyone who is able.
• Prevent needless exploitation of the world’s resources
• Prevent companies moving money and profits around to avoid paying fair taxes
• Ensure a free labour market
• Prevent child labour and unfree labor (slaves, prisoners, etc.)

A better way

Many people yearn for a world where the earth’s resources are used for the benefit of all of its inhabitants. The alternative to greed, selfishness and envy is love, compassion, justice and righteousness. As individuals we can use what influence we have to bring a climate of love and justice into our relationships with employees, colleagues, neighbours and politicians.

I may be a dreamer, an optimist or an idealist, but I believe that ultimately the values of the Kingdom of God will hold sway on earth. As that becomes true, there will be no more poverty, no more famine, and peace will saturate the earth and people’s dealing with each other. There is no power stronger than love. LOVE WINS!

Related articles

• A fairer distribution of wealth (georgedowdell.org)