CHAPTER II SOCIALISM AS AN EMANATION OF ASCETICISM
§ 1 the Ascetic Point of View
Asceticism is a way of living that involves withdrawing from the world and rejecting material pleasures. It is not seen as a final goal but as a means to achieve deeper spiritual or religious aims. This approach is connected to moral or religious beliefs and is different from practicing asceticism just to gain health or other worldly benefits. In Jainism, for example, the idea of "homelessness" represents complete withdrawal from earthly relationships and desires, with followers striving to avoid any harm to living beings.
However, true asceticism can only be practiced by a small number of people because it depends on others in society to do the necessary work for survival. If many people followed this lifestyle, it could lead to the decline of society since it discourages having families and working for basic needs. Most ascetics do not fully give up worldly comforts, making it rare to find those who live completely according to these ideals.
Ascetic ethics cannot be applied to everyone as strict rules for life. Ascetics choose to live this way while still relying on the economy and labor done by others. This creates a split morality where ascetics see themselves as higher morally while allowing non-ascetics to live differently. As a result, asceticism does not have claims of being the only way to live morally. Typically, ascetics only ask for small donations or support from those who live in the world to sustain their way of life.
§ 2 Asceticism and Socialism
Socialism initially rejected the idea of asceticism and focused on creating a better life for everyone on Earth, ignoring rewards in the afterlife. It aimed for increased well-being through enjoyment and productivity. Socialists opposed the notion that poverty has any benefits and believed in improving work output to enhance quality of life. However, they are starting to rethink their stance as problems with socialist production appear. Some are questioning whether happiness can come from having fewer goods, but this doesn't mean socialism is better than capitalism, as capitalism's issues can be resolved by reducing the amount of work instead of lowering productivity.
§ 1 the Ascetic Point of View
Asceticism is a way of living that involves withdrawing from the world and rejecting material pleasures. It is not seen as a final goal but as a means to achieve deeper spiritual or religious aims. This approach is connected to moral or religious beliefs and is different from practicing asceticism just to gain health or other worldly benefits. In Jainism, for example, the idea of "homelessness" represents complete withdrawal from earthly relationships and desires, with followers striving to avoid any harm to living beings.
However, true asceticism can only be practiced by a small number of people because it depends on others in society to do the necessary work for survival. If many people followed this lifestyle, it could lead to the decline of society since it discourages having families and working for basic needs. Most ascetics do not fully give up worldly comforts, making it rare to find those who live completely according to these ideals.
Ascetic ethics cannot be applied to everyone as strict rules for life. Ascetics choose to live this way while still relying on the economy and labor done by others. This creates a split morality where ascetics see themselves as higher morally while allowing non-ascetics to live differently. As a result, asceticism does not have claims of being the only way to live morally. Typically, ascetics only ask for small donations or support from those who live in the world to sustain their way of life.
§ 2 Asceticism and Socialism
Socialism initially rejected the idea of asceticism and focused on creating a better life for everyone on Earth, ignoring rewards in the afterlife. It aimed for increased well-being through enjoyment and productivity. Socialists opposed the notion that poverty has any benefits and believed in improving work output to enhance quality of life. However, they are starting to rethink their stance as problems with socialist production appear. Some are questioning whether happiness can come from having fewer goods, but this doesn't mean socialism is better than capitalism, as capitalism's issues can be resolved by reducing the amount of work instead of lowering productivity.