[zztop44]

Ah, I think we might be talking about different things when we talk about capitalism.

I’m using the word to describe an economic system where the means of production are controlled by private capital (ie: capitalists). In such a system, capitalists are able to deploy capital to exploit the labor value of the working classes. This is what Marxism emerged in response to, and as I understand it, is what Marx attempts to describe in Capital.

It seems you’re using the term the way American/NATO Cold War propagandists used it, to describe a free economy where anyone can succeed with enough hard work and determination (in contrast to the Soviet system of planned economies).

The confusion is understandable. The word “capitalism” covers both meanings in everyday use.

[nashashmi]

Interesting. I didn’t think there were two different meanings. I’m heavily influenced my Cold War propagandist. I’m going to have to re-study Marxist philosophy from this new perspective.