| This question <32|32> overall <29|31> GDA: <621-6|56>. |
| Question 693: Why does mankind always set itself only such tasks as it is able to solve? |
| [30] GDA: Mankind as I see it. In response to this question I am assuming that ‘mankind’ refers to the general laborer. Or one who sells their labor to make a living. They do not have any means of production, so they sell their labor. Therefore, they are not going to attempt to accomplish something that they have no idea how to. They would rather do what they know or be taught what they need to know. Rather than go out and pursue an unknown. So they do what they are able to and nothing more. |
| So it is true in that sense. However in response to “the problem itself arises only when the material conditions for its solutions are at least in the course of the formation,” I do not believe that to be true. Sure some solutions can be gained by actually experiencing the problem and realizing what needs to be done to stop or prevent it. However in regards to disease, I.E. cancer, we do not have a solution. And the problem has not presented us with a solution as of yet. However we still continue to work at it. It is not a given that we will be able to solve it. Do we have the ability now? Will we in the future? I don't know, I think so. However nothing is ever a given. |
| In conclusion, the question states “as it is able to solve.” We as the human race(mankind), have the ability to solve many things. Whether we choose to or not is the problem. There are many factors which stand in our way and distract us from doing what we should be doing and not what we ‘want’ to do. |
| Hans: Your first paragraph gives interesting insights into how workers cope with an exploitative situation, and I am grateful for you sending this out. But Marx was not trying to describe here human behavior in general, but very specifically how societies react if there is a discrepancy between productive powers and relations of production. |
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