It is generally accepted that Karl Marx coined the term capitalism.  He said capitalism was responsible for the overthrow of feudalism and slavery – that’s true.  Knowing this to be true, one would think Karl Marx would have expounded on the virtues of capitalism.  After all it was capitalism that got rid of feudalism and slavery.  But wait there’s more.  He knew that capitalism stimulates growth because the capitalist has an incentive to reinvest profits in technology and capital equipment.  He said it’s capitalism that creates a middle class.  Marx considered the capitalists to be one of the most revolutionary in history because they constantly improved the means of production.  So what happened?  Why would Karl Marx come out with The Communist Manifesto?  Well here’s why in a single sentence.

      Quote Karl Marx:  “If we have chosen the position in life in which we can most of all work for mankind, no burdens can bow us down, because they are sacrifices for the benefit of all; then we shall experience no petty, limited, selfish joy, but our happiness will belong to millions, our deeds will live on quietly but perpetually at work, and over our ashes will be shed the hot tears of noble people.”  Close quote.

      So, if you are willing to sacrifice your life for the benefit of mankind, you will experience no petty, limited, selfish joy.  Marx sure got that right.  But don’t concern yourself with your happiness, there will be hot tears shed over your grave.

      Karl Marx was an altruist.  Altruism was his moral code.  Man, he believed, is his brother’s keeper.  And morality trumps practicality and so he expounded a political/economic system consistent with altruism in The Communist Manifesto.

      If capitalism is to survive, we need a moral code that is consistent with capitalism – it exists – formulated by Ayn Rand.