Showing results for "SOUL" in Communism & Socialism

Oscar Wilde's essay about the benefits of socialism, how it would change the face of society, and bring peace by erasing the concept of private property. In his unique manner, he sticks his finger into the very pain points of the English society of his time, which might remind some of issues we find in society today as well. Leaving no doubt of how much he despised being rich; almost as much as he despised being poor.

"The Soul of Man under Socialism" is an 1891 essay by Oscar Wilde, following his conversion to anarchist philosophy after having read the works of the philosopher Peter Kropotkin. Propounding a libertarian socialist worldview, Wilde argues that - under capitalism - most people are forced to spoil their lives through an unhealthy altruism trying to solve the social problems caused by capitalism, instead of developing their true talents. He did not object to altruism per se, but was concerned about its misapplication in a way that does not address the root of the problem.

This essay was written in 1891 after Wilde had become enamored of concepts expressive of a liberal socialism. In his view, the aim of socialism should be "to try to reconstruct society on such a basis that poverty will be impossible". Typically, Wilde stresses the vital role played by art and the imperative significance of the artist.