ABSTRACT
Communism has no precise definition. The concept has been around for at least 2400 years, 54 with a root meaning of communitarian egalitarian sharing. Commune members work for the common good, and distain economic and social inequality, except in cases where individuals have special legitimate needs (supplementary assistance to the handicapped). Competitive markets are superfluous under communism because communards are not motivated by profit and utility-seeking at the expense of fellow members. Moreover, most communists feel that markets and sharing are incompatible. Markets are driven by people's urge for competitive self-advancement and acquisitiveness. Economic rivals place personal interest ahead of community need.
