Graham R (Ed.) - Anarchism - A Documentary History of Libertarian Ideas Volume One - From Anarchy to Anarchism (300 CE to 1939)

436 / ANARCHISM
117. Alexander Berkman: The ABC o! Communist Anarchism (1929)
Afier leavillg Russia in late 1921. Alexander Berkman spent some time in Ber/ill. where he
wrote his critique of the Bulsheviks (Selection 88). He tl,en moved to France. where he spent
the last years of his life. At the invitation of the Jewish Anarchist Federation of New York he
wrote an allarchist primer to explain anarchist ideas to the general pllblic. It was originally
published as Now and After: The ABC of Communist Anarchism (New York: Vanguard
Press. 1929; AK Press reprint. 2004). from whicll the fo llowing excerpts have beell taken.
THE EXCHANGE OF COMMODITIES BY means of prices leads to profit making. to taking
advantage and exploitation; in short. to some fo rm of capitalism. If you do away
with profits. you cannot have any price system. nor any system of wages or payment.
That mcans that exchange must be according to value. But as value is uncertain or
not ascertainable. exchange must consequently be free. without "equal" value. since
such docs not exist. In other words. labour and its products must be exchanged without
price. without profit. freely. according to necessity. This logically leads to ownership
in common and to joint use. Which is a sensible. just. and equitable system. and
is known as Communism.
"But is it just that all should share alike" you demand. "The man of brains and
the dullard, the efficient and the inefficient. all the same Should there be no distinction,
no special recognition fo r those of ability"
Let me in turn ask you, my friend, shall we punish the man whom nature has not
endowed as generously as his stronger or more talented neighbour Shall we add injustice
to the handicap nature has put upon him All we can reasonably expect from
any mall is tlIdl he 00 his best-can any one do more And if John's best is not as
good as his brother Jim's, it is his misfortune, but in no case a fa ult to be punished.
There is nothing more dangerous than discrimination. The moment you begin
discriminating against the less capable, you establish conditions that breed dissatisfa
ction and resentment: you invite envy, discord, and strife. You would think it brutal
to withhold from the less capable the air or water they need. Should not the same
principle apply to the other wants of man After all, the matter offood, clothing, and
shelter is the smallest item in the world's economy.
The surest way to get one to do his best is not by discriminating against him,
but by treating him on an equal footing with others . That is the most effective encouragement
and stimulus. It is just and human.
"But what will you do with the lazy man, the man who does not want to work"
inquires your friend.