After reading Victor Hugo's truly epic Les Miserables, I can say that I am no longer an idealistic Marxist. Hugo cured me of this former obsession. The differences between Jean Valjean and the Thenardiers reminded me of the importance of individuals taking ownership of their own lives and goodness--something that is only possible in the final stages of Marxism if every member of society is nearly perfect and selfless. I can't be that unrealistic anymore. People have to be the ones that bring humanity into society. A government compelling people to help their fellow citizens creates a facade of light that will ultimately crumble on itself.
In the words of Victor Hugo, "By good distribution, we must understand not equal distribution, but equitable distribution. The highest equality is equity....Their [Communists'] distribution kills production. Equal partition abolishes emulation. And consequently labor. It is a distribution made by the butcher, who kills what he divides....To kill wealth is not to distribute it" (Les Miserables, p. 840-841).
One of man's greatest God-given rights is freedom. This is the key to finding true greatness in one's character. I now believe that people best take care of themselves and others when it is by their own accord, not due to the demands of a government, even one they created and support. Instead of searching for a perfect political model, I am going to focus on being a better person. I truly believe our actions and love hold the power to liberate our world from suffering, ignorance, and hopelessness.
The other news is that I can now name my son Marx, and I won't be lying when I tell people it's not after the brilliant Karl Marx.
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