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'He who does not work, neither shall he eat' is the first principle of socialism according to Vladimir Lenin. The phrase is mentioned in his ''State and Revolution'' (1917). Through this slogan Lenin explains that in a socialist society (which Karl Marx termed "the first phase of communism") only productive individuals would be allowed access to the articles of consumption.
This is not really addressed at lazy or unproductive workers, but rather at the bourgeoisie. Since the bourgeoisie lives off the labor of others, it is incapable of producing anything. In socialism, the bourgeoisie would either starve to death (literally and metaphorically) or begin to work beside the proletariat in the factories and farms.
The principle would not apply to those who could not work, such as the elderly or the lame. These groups would have a right to society's products because they were not at fault for their condition. The elderly, furthermore had worked during their youth, and so could not be denied life’s basic necessities.

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Use of the term by others

See also

External Links

Use of the term by others

In the 1936 Soviet Constitution, Article Fourteen states:
This constitution was primarily the work of Joseph Stalin, and that principle is the sole remnant of socialism that Stalinists embrace. The principle has been loosely applied in nearly all Stalinist countries, or so-called "communist states."
Interesting enough in II Thessalonians 3:10 the Apostle Paul writes "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." It is ironic that Stalin was indirectly quoting the Bible.

See also

★ An equal amount of products for an equal amount of labor

★ Socialism

External Links

★ ''The State and Revolution'' the complete text of Lenin's main philosophical work.

★ ''The Critique of the Gotha Programme'' The pamphlet from which Lenin draws much of his arguments for the State and Revolution.