The Flawed Philosophy of Eliminating Money: Lessons from Michael Tellinger’s One Small Town Plan
Michael Tellinger's proposal for One Small Town, aiming to eliminate money from the world, has captured attention on YouTube. However, many have criticized this idea as nothing more than a rehash of socialist communes that have failed in the past. In this article, we will explore the historical context and the critical flaws in such proposals.
The Plymouth Colony and Early Experiments in Communism
Michael Tellinger’s plan echoes a historical precedent of early communist experiments, as seen in the Plymouth Colony in the 17th century. When founded as a communal society where everyone contributed and resources were shared equally, this system led to the colony nearly collapsing due to widespread unwillingness to work.
The colony’s conversion to a capitalist system, which incentivized individual effort and productivity, saved the colony and laid the groundwork for the economic model we have today. This transition highlights the fundamental issue with communitarian systems—when resources are freely provided without the expectation of labor, many choose not to work, leading to economic demise.
The Human Factor in Economic Systems
The human tendency to prioritize personal gain over communal betterment is a significant factor in the failure of such systems. In 2020, a scenario where people were paid to stay at home illustrated this phenomenon perfectly. Many chose to remain idle, mirroring the historical reluctance of early communards to work. When a system does not provide sufficient personal benefits, even those who do work tend to be minimalistic in their efforts.
Those from underdeveloped nations, who have experienced the failure of socialist systems firsthand, often migrate to countries with capitalist economies. An anecdote from a co-worker from Africa provides a contemporary example. Despite criticizing the harshness of his assessment, he understood the reality of living in a socialist system and the appeal of a capitalist one that rewards hard work.
Individual experiences, such as those of Bernie Sanders, further emphasize the real-world impact of these economic systems. Sanders, after experiencing firsthand the failure of a commune, recognized the inherent flaws in such structures. His own commune expelled him, illustrating the universal sentiment that socialism, when directly observed, is deeply unpopular.
The Inevitable Failure of Communal Economies
The One Small Town plan may very well face similar challenges. Without a robust framework that incentivizes productivity, the system is destined to fail. The proposal is based on untested theories and historical myths, rather than a realistic understanding of human behavior. Communal economies succeed only when they forcibly extract labor through some form of economic coercion or benefit allocation.
Government-mandated welfare systems, while often tolerated, are often criticized when individuals can see the direct benefits and drawbacks. Personal experience, as in Bernie Sanders’ case, can be a powerful motivator against such systems. People tend to support systems that reward effort and productivity, much like capitalist societies do.
In conclusion, while the idea of eliminating money and embracing a communal system may seem appealing in theory, historical evidence and practical experience demonstrate its inherent flaws. The One Small Town plan, as with past communist experiments, is likely to be a failure unless it can be reconciled with the natural human desire for personal gain and the motivation to work.