But unfortunately, I disagree that the labor theory of value is. I wish that it were. It is, fundamentally, what the argument in Wisconsin (and really, the nation at large) is about. Isn’t, after all, one of the claims of the union workers that they deserve what they get because they work hard?
15 thoughts on “Yes, Marx Is Dead”
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NASA certainly seems to believe in it.
Sarah Hoyt is the new Jane Galt! Yay!
Most government agencies do, more’s the pity.
I’m not sure what you mean by “Marx is dead.” Certainly this nation right now is experiencing a Bolshevik revolution led by Communist-controlled labor unions, a revolution that will almost certainly be successful and remain in control forever.
Marx Is dead, but he keeps coming back, in “Freddy the 13th” style.
How about a simple, fair solution for the union problem:
Make unions follow the same laws as churches – they cannot make political donations, and they cannot endorse candidates.
After two years, they wouldn’t exist anymore anyway.
Citizens United, David.
the labor theory of value
It’s absolutely pervasive in our collective thoughts (pun intended.) This is a perfect example of how grade school is letting us down. No American should ever graduate high school without clearly understanding that there is no such thing as intrinsic value! Something I had to learn on this blog when I’m past 50 years of age. I find that incredible (and do wish I’d reasoned it out on my own, but I just accepted what I’d been taught. How often are we bombarded with commercials that talk about the intrinsic value of gold?)
It changes your whole perspective on economics (simplifying it) when you absolutely understand that value is individually determined.
A very well written, very amusing, very correct article.
It’s funny, kids – before they are educated – pretty much grasp and operate on the “mutual benefit” paradigm when trading things like baseball cards.
“Of course, the Marxian definition of value is ridiculous. All the work one cares to add willl not turn a mud pie into an apple tart; it remains a mud pie, value zero. By corollary, unskillful work can easily subtract value; an untalented cook can turn wholesome dough and fresh green apples, valuable already, into an inedible mess, value zero. Conversely, a great chef can fashion of those same materials a confection of greater value than a commonplace apple tart, with no more effort than an ordinary cook uses to prepare an ordinary sweet. These kitchen illustrations demolish the Marxian theory of value – the fallacy from which the entire magnificent fraud of communism derives – and to illustrate the truth of the common-sense definition as measured in terms of use. ” –Heinlein
Big D, Hoyt is apparently quite the Heinlein fan, even named one of her sons Robert Anson. So your quote is apt on a couple of levels.
Thank you for the link. Honestly, I thought this was SUCH an obvious thing that it didn’t need saying (I’m not meaning to imply that Marxism is not lurching about zombie-like — but that in essence it’s wrong and it SHOULD be dead) and frankly I was only writing it because I’m ill and cranky. I’m — to put it mildly — surprised at the response.
Chris L,
yep, the older was named Robert Anson, after Heinlein. That he was also born on Heinlein’s bday (7/7) was so unexpected (and involved three days in labor) that we didn’t even realize the coincidence till 24h later. He is the author of this piece: http://accordingtohoyt.com/2011/01/27/this-article-does-not-exist/ another one that probably shouldn’t need saying.
You could have all sorts of fun applying the labor theory of value to the entertainment industries. Should DVDs or theater showings of Heaven’s Gate cost more than those of Reservoir Dogs? Should an Elvis impersonator get the same pay for the same stage time as Barbra Streisand?
Zombies = double tap.
“Incivility!”
…and don’t forget cardio. You must maintain the truth while they insist on ignoring it.