Are you a socialist or a capitalist? So many of us view these ideas as contradictory and opposite when in fact you can have both at the same time in the same economic system. There is a very, very, very, simple solution where literally everyone gets what they want. The socialists get socialism and the capitalist get capitalism. There is absolutely no need to get into the definitions and semantics when looking at these words. Most of us are pretty well informed what these two concepts mean and what they are. The reason so many people can't see the solution is we are all too busy fighting each other to get the system we want whether it be socialism or capitalism.
Socialists want every human within a country or economic system to have their basic human needs provided for. Which generally includes food, water, shelter, and healthcare. Socialists tend to have the mindset of what is better for the group as a whole is better for the individual whereas a capitalist believes that what is better for the individual is better for the whole. A capitalist believes that everyone should be treated fairly and it does not seem "fair" for others to get hand outs when the capitalist is working their ass off. The capitalist doesn't think it is "fair" for them to work 80 hours a week just for someone else to sit around doing nothing all day and getting paid to do it. Once again this is NOT a debate on either side, if we can't look past the apparent opposition, we fail to see the solution plainly in view underneath. This is not an advocation for either, but in fact for both to be combined.
Here is the simplest solution you will ever see. This may be a scary idea for some but follow along and you will see how in the end everyone gets what they want and is content. Provide socialism for every human within the country or economic system. (*every human means every human with no exceptions.) Meaning every human is guaranteed basic human needs such as edible nutritious food, clean drinking water, basic shelter, and basic healthcare. Notice socialism only provides what is needed to survive as a human on this planet. Socialism does not provide, entertainment, luxuries, hobbies, vacations, toys, gifts, or any of our vices. That is where capitalism comes in to save the day! Capitalism is what allows humans the ability to work in order to have hobbies and interests and so on. Capitalism pays for all the extras that we all Love so much and are all so addicted to.
None of us want to just work our lives away, most of us want personal lives and we all want to enjoy those personal lives with extra stuff and activities. We need money to do that extra stuff and we will work to do it. Here in the U.S.A. most of us used to work so we could take vacations and buy stuff, we didn't work to live, we worked to play. Since capitalism has gotten so out of control in this country the days of working to play have turned into working just to survive. The majority of the country has no extra money to do anything after paying for their essential human needs. Child rates are declining, suicides are rising. People are getting sick and tired of every moment of every day being a struggle just to stay alive. If humans had their basic needs met, most would choose to work so they could play in their off time. All work and no play make for a dull life.
Every human is provided for and every human has the ability to make as much extra money as they like. Everyone can feel free to make as much money as they want and buy as many yachts, mansions, and exotic cars as they like to show the world just how special they are. Lastly, since this system is about equality for every human within the economic system, the third and final step to the plan, is to put a limit of 1,000,000,000 (one billion) on every human within the system. Every human has the same opportunity to become a billionaire and we can even hold a nice little ceremony for anyone who becomes a billionaire and give them a nice plaque that states "I Won Capitalism" and every cent over 1,000,000,000 is taxed a 100%. That is the fairness the socialist and the capitalist are both seeking. They both want the same thing which is equality, they just see it from different perspectives. Can any of us on either side honestly say that we are currently living in a fair economic system?
I do fully realize that changing an entire countries economic system is not as simple as "let's switch systems" which leads to the entire system being changed overnight. I understand that there is a lot of moving parts within a government and change can be slow and painful, but change will never come from division. When a community such as us humans work together, we can live in harmony. When a community such as us humans are divided, we all lose. It's not about changing your beliefs and it's not about stop the other persons beliefs, it's about working together as humans to find a common solution to a problem that impacts every single one of us. If you don't like this solution, feel free to think of a better one. Are you able to look at both sides objectively, or will you remain biased in defense of your ideal. Love and Peace!