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p Man’s capabilities and the form in which they develop are, in the final analysis, determined by social conditions—the social system, the level of development reached by industry, science, technology and culture. With the improvement and development of production and technology increasing demands are made of man and, at the same time, this affords more possibilities and gives rise to the need for promoting new capabilities. The socialist system provides particularly favourable conditions for developing people’s capabilities. In exposing slander by the opponents of socialism, who claimed that socialism humiliates man, limits his capabilities and deprives him of individuality, Lenin showed that socialism makes it possible “to draw the real majority of people into work where they can show themselves, give rein to their capabilities and display talents, of which there is an inexhaustible fountain in the people and which capitalism trampled, choked and strangled by the thousands and millions”.  [254•* 

p The socialist system has drawn millions upon millions of people into active creative work and they have achieved impressive successes in the most diverse spheres of economic, political and cultural activity. Does this not provide striking proof that socialism creates the most favourable 255 conditions for the development of human capabilities and talents?

p Having created these conditions, socialism demands that people should place their capabilities in the service of society, and the satisfaction of each person’s requirements depends on the extent to which he fulfils this demand, on the measure of his labour contribution. Therein lies the essence of the socialist principle ”From each according to his ability, to each according to his work".

p The demand “From each according to his ability" remains in communist society as well. However, it undergoes profound changes, becoming considerably richer and more versatile. Under communism as well labour remains the basic feature of this demand, but it will not be labour arising from duty, as the means of earning a livelihood, but labour as a habit, as a vital necessity, in which man will display his capabilities to the utmost. In communist society man will work creatively and with enthusiasm in fields where he can make the most of his talents and bring society the greatest benefit.

p In the process of communist construction capabilities likewise change, becoming more diversified and pronounced.

p As yet socialism is unable to provide all people with equal conditions for development, training and the application of their talents; it has brought people political equality and is working its way towards economic and social equality. A person who is secure materially has more opportunities to devote himself to his development ( particularly cultural) than a person whose material position is not as good. A person living in a town is likewise at an advantage in this respect over a rural inhabitant due to the distinction between work and cultural services in towns and in the countryside. W^Tomen who spend a great deal of time housekeeping and looking after children have much fewer opportunities for forming and developing their capabilities than men. Far from all citizens of socialist society have the possibility of working in science or art.

p Thus, on account of society’s inadequate economic and social maturity and due to the lack of complete economic and social equality, socialism is as yet unable to provide 256 all people with equal opportunities and conditions for fully developing their capabilities and applying these capabilities to their utmost for the benefit of society. Only communism gives all people not only equal opportunities for the formation of their capabilities but also conditions for the most effective utilisation of these capabilities in both production and in the different spheres of creative activity.

p Under communism “From each according to his ability" implies not only voluntary work performed to the best of one’s ability without remuneration but also active participation in social activities, in the administration of social affairs. Although socialism has drawn a huge number of people into social activity, far from every citizen is active in the administration of social affairs. Some do not have the time, others have not acquired the necessary knowledge, and still others have not attained the necessary level of social consciousness and live according to the philistine principle: “Perhaps they’ll manage without us.” Under communism all citizens will be active in administering the country. It cannot be otherwise because with the advent of communism, as we shall see below, the state will wither away and its place will be taken by public selfadministration.

p Lastly, under communism “From each according to his ability" means that all citizens will abide by the rules of the communist way of life.

The content of this communist principle thus consists of highly productive labour (as the prime requirement of life), persevering study, a steady rise of the level of special, general and cultural education, the participation of all citizens in the administration of social affairs, and the voluntary observance of the standards of communist morality. Labour is the great magician, who, having created the communist cup of abundance, will constantly keep that cup filled to the brim and enable all citizens to draw material and spiritual benefits from it according to their needs.