"La théorie des communistes peut se résumer en une seule phrase Abolition de la propriété privée"

The quote essentially boils down to this: Communism, at its core, is about getting rid of private property. Not just any property, but the kind that's used to make money—factories, businesses, land, you name it. It’s about making sure that these things are owned by everyone together, not just a few people.

Now, why did Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels say this in "The Communist Manifesto"? Think about the time it was written—1848. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Factories were popping up everywhere, and with them, a stark divide between the rich factory owners and the poor workers. The owners had the power and the wealth, while the workers toiled long hours for little pay. Marx and Engels saw this and thought, "This isn't right. Why should so few people control so much?" They believed that by abolishing private property, you could create a fairer society where wealth is shared more equally.

Let’s drag this idea into the modern world. Take Mondragon Corporation in Spain, for example. It's one of the largest cooperatives in the world. Here, the workers own the company. They have a say in how things run, and profits are shared. You won't find a CEO making 400 times more than the average worker. It's about collective ownership and decision-making. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s a real-world example of how the idea of abolishing private ownership of production can play out.

So, how can you apply this big idea in your own life? Start small. Ever thought about a community garden? Instead of everyone having their own little plot, you work the land together, share the produce, and make decisions as a group. It’s about building a sense of community and sharing resources. Or maybe get involved in a local co-op—whether it’s a grocery store, a housing cooperative, or a community-supported agriculture program. These are practical ways to embrace communal ownership.

Alright, let’s bring this home with a story. Imagine you're living in a small town that’s struggling. The local factory shut down, and jobs are scarce. But you and a group of neighbors decide to do something about it. You pool your resources and buy the abandoned factory. Together, you transform it into a cooperative business—everyone owns a piece, everyone has a say, and the profits are shared. It’s hard work, and there are plenty of disagreements, but over time, the business thrives. People have jobs, and the community starts to flourish again. Instead of a few people getting rich, everyone benefits.

So, next time you hear someone talk about abolishing private property, don’t just think of it as some radical, pie-in-the-sky idea. Think about communities coming together, sharing resources, and building something better for everyone. It’s not just a theory—it’s something you can see in action, and maybe even be a part of.