Socialism Is Really Being Social

Socialism scares a lot of people. I'm not sure why. What is the meaning of socialism?

Socialism is social + ism. It is the act, state or condition of being social.
Social means friendliness, united and living with others.
Friend(liness) means to love and to favor.

Based on these three definitions, if we are truly the social creatures we say we are, whenever we are being social, we are showing love and favor for others. This is a principle of most religions. Still, many who follow a religion are scared of socialism. Has religion simply become a bathrobe for private use to cover the naked truth but never to be worn in public?

More Definitions

Common means belonging to all, public and shared by all or many. The word “common” forms the basis for many words such as “community,” “commune,” “communion,” and “communication.” The concept of “common” is also the foundation for the words “friend,” “companion,” “partner” and “fellowship.” Without a doubt, there can be no common ground or common good without these definitions in daily use. We already move through life seeking those with common interests and someone we have a lot in common with to share everything with. All that's left is to back up and pay attention to the common existence we have with everyone.

Semi-Sweet Pieces of Socialism

What is socialism really but sharing resources, helping others and fair treatment? Socialism is love thy neighbor as thyself. It is the primary lesson in the story of feeding the multitude with fish & loaves. Today we have certain aspects of socialism such as social programs, volunteering, donating to charity, lending a hand, helping animals, insects, plants and the planet. Despite some benefit, these are pieces of socialism and nothing close to really being social. In fact, the need for many of these pieces are caused by the inner workings of greed/capitalism, which is the main force against sharing/socialism.

Not realizing that anything other than socialism is incompatible with peace and human progress, will keep us spinning wheels that are out of round. Many people with good intentions will continue to run around trying to ease or fix social problems by putting fingers in dikes instead of removing the dike. Also, time, talent and tithes given to religious organizations are supposed to be social currency. According to religious principle, resources of religious groups are supposed to be for the furtherance of religious principles, thus social purposes.

To be scared of socialism is to be scared of sharing, helping and fairness. To be scared of socialism is to be comfortable with greed, suffering and injustice.

Socialism is the Supreme vision for the universe. Socialism is the principle of ecosystems and there is plenty of evidence to expose capitalism as an antagonistic ideology. Socialism seeks harmony.

In sound, sensible, sustainable societies, people treat each other as friends. Commonality is the bonding agent and love is the active ingredient. There is recognition of a shared existence with all things and that, what is common to support existence, belongs to all.

The next time we're being social, are we really?

Related: “Separation of Church & State: No Escape.”