Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
The religion of Socialism depends upon and presupposes material achievements which Socialism itself can never create. Socialism is operative only in wealth situations brought about by modes of production other than its own. Socialism takes and redistributes wealth, but it is utterly incapable of creating wealth.
Under Socialism people are coercively relieved of their individual choices in order to sanction a single choice; the choice being mandated by whoever heads the socialistic regime. Authoritarianism is forcibly substituted for individual liberty. What we witness here is a diversionary process accomplished by police action; hence, the iron fist type of government.
Does any capable adult person “in need” really benefit by living on the confiscated income of others? Do handouts ever improve his character or his mental and physical faculties or his growth? Does anyone ever benefit by the removal of self-responsibility?
The something-for-nothing idea appears to flourish wherever there is a failure to grasp the purpose behind the struggle for existence. The fullest possible employment of one’s faculties is what makes for strength of body, of character, of spirit, of intellect. Non-use of faculties leads to atrophy.
Life’s problems are not without purpose. They aid us in the processes of self-development. They demand of the individual that he gather new strength to hurdle each new obstacle. The art of becoming is composed of acts of overcoming.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.