Morelly's 1755 Enlightenment treatise arguing that private property is the source of all social vice — and providing a detailed legal code for a communist society. A direct influence on Babeuf's Conspiracy of Equals.
Enlightenment communism: The Code of Nature argues that the natural state of humanity is communal ownership, and that private property is not natural but a corrupting institution. Morelly's positive contribution is a detailed legislative code for a communist society: collective ownership of all goods, organized labor by ability, universal provision of needs. The book directly influenced Babeuf and was known to Marx. It represents the Enlightenment strand of communist thought (derived from natural law) as opposed to the Marxist historical-materialist strand.
Discussing
Ask anything about The Code of Nature — their ideas, influences, contradictions, legacy.
Sign in to start a conversation.