Communism is inequality, but not as property is. Property is exploitation of the weak by the strong. Communism is exploitation of the strong by the weak.
Interpretation
Proudhon discusses the nature of inequality in both communism and property, suggesting both have exploitative elements.
In this quote, Proudhon contrasts the concepts of communism and property, arguing that both systems create inequalities but in different ways. Property leads to the exploitation of the weak by the strong, while communism permits the strong to be exploited by the weak, thus highlighting a cyclical pattern of exploitation inherent in both ideologies.
In practice
In a debate about economic systems, one could use this quote to illustrate the complexities of inequality.
I build no system. I ask an end to privilege, the abolition of slavery, equality of rights, and the reign of law. Justice, nothing else; that is the alpha and omega of my argument: to others I leave the business of governing the world.
All men in their hearts, I say, bear witness to these truths; they need only to be made to understand it.
A common danger tends to concord. Communism is the exploitation of the strong by the weak. In Communism, inequality comes from placing mediocrity on a level with excellence.
To name a thing is easy: the difficulty is to discern it before its appearance.
As man seeks justice in equality, so society seeks order in anarchy.
The possessions of the rich are stolen property.
For me the world is weird because it is stupendous, awesome, mysterious, unfathomable; my interest has been to convince you that you must assume responsibility for being here, in this marvelous world, in this marvelous desert, in this marvelous time. I want to convince you that you must learn to make every act count, since you are going to be here for only a short while, in fact, too short for witnessing all the marvels of it.
As a general principle, I should put it that a man's country is where the things he loves are most respected. Circumstances may have prevented his ever setting foot there, but it remains his country.
What really fascinates me is this need that is so strong now that if you read a work of the imagination you instantly have to say, 'Oh, what this really is is so-and-so,' reducing it to a simple formula.
My experience in childhood and adolescence of the subordinate role played by the female in a society run entirely by men had convinced me that I was not cut out to be a wife.
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
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