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submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by znsh@lemmygrad.ml to c/asklemmygrad@lemmygrad.ml

Got into a discussion with a friend who is a biologist about the "human nature" argument against communism. My best shot was saying that we used to live in a sort of proto communism so the evidence of it working are there. He didn't accept that argument and basicly said that due to natural selection, competition etc. and that all social structures eventually disolve.

I didn't have good ideas on how to respond after that.

EDIT: Forgot the question, how could I have defended this argument more?

EDIT2: I read each and every comment anyone posts, I just can't respond to all of you, thanks so much for the explanations it really goes to show how awesome this community is.

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[-] Cowbee@lemmygrad.ml 20 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Ask him to connect ambition and natural selection to dissolving social structures, rather than the actual historical trend of technology and class dynamics shifting towards larger and more complex production and distribution. Ask why states appeared, and why capitalism arose when it did and how it did. Take a historical materialist stance, and elaborate on how the rise of the industrial proletariat sublimates present class society and erodes the basis of the state, class struggle, as we gradually collectivize production and distribution.

[-] darkernations@lemmygrad.ml 7 points 1 week ago

I do like this response very much (even more than the one I gave)

Got any book recommendations on the formation of states please?

[-] Cowbee@lemmygrad.ml 7 points 1 week ago

I haven't actually read this one yet, but I've been meaning to read On the Origin of the Family, Private Property, and the State by Friedrich Engels.

[-] darkernations@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 6 days ago

Thanks, I've not read it in full but it is maybe time for me to do so.

[-] Cowbee@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 6 days ago

No problem, comrade!

this post was submitted on 29 Jan 2026
34 points (100.0% liked)

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