Louis Blanc
What I call capitalism is the appropriation of capital by some to the exclusion of others. ~ Louis Blanc
French politician and historian Louis Blanc (1811–1882) believed that competitive capitalism was psychologically punishing: pitting one man against another and driving the weaker to the wall. Blanc considered the first step toward a better society was to guarantee work for everyone, with collective workshops financed by the state, but controlled by the workers themselves. These workshops would gradually take over production, evolving society into a socialist state.
Blanc did not believe in human equality. Unlike the industrialism of Saint-Simon and his followers, who held to paying workers according to performance, Blanc recognized the individuality of abilities and desires.
From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. ~ Louis Blanc
