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>Non monopolised capital is still capital. And there are many goods that blur the line. Owning tools that can make things (capital) does not make one a capital

>Non monopolised capital is still capital. And there are many goods that blur the line. Owning tools that can make things (capital) does not make one a capitalist anymore than one who owns a firearm does not make one a soldier. I think this has to be the most important point that so many miss when discussing the failures of capitalism in that they conflate so many things with the role of a capitalist (or rentier) with things or roles that aren't in any capacity like it. The mere possession does not constitute the role.

UK-AL 10y ago
But how you separate personal possessions from capital possessions, if all capital is meant to owned by the community. Is a bread maker capital? Will i be allowed to own a bread maker? What if we start giving bread as gifts to our friends. Then they reciprocate those gifts? Trading bread for other things? At what point does it become capital?
- norea-armozel 10y ago
  I would say it's the scope that defines the issue. If you own a bread maker it's not really depriving anyone of making their own bread. But if I own a bread making factory where I either flood the market to control bread making in general or otherwise use bullies with clubs to stop you from making your own bread then I'm abusing my position as a capital owner. That's the real problem that I think gets lost or outright ignored in this sorts of discussions (i.e. people too focused on personal possessions of their cars, homes, and bread makers). Owning capital in itself isn't inherently bad. It's when you monopolize the use of it or use it as a means to deprive others from acquiring access to capital for their own purposes (ex. IP laws) then you're acting in a manner that's dishonest and in opposition to the natural order of markets (maximizing production based on immediate demand).
  - UK-AL 10y ago
    Except monopoly is the exception not the norm in most market areas..

UK-AL 10y ago

But how you separate personal possessions from capital possessions, if all capital is meant to owned by the community. Is a bread maker capital? Will i be allowed to own a bread maker? What if we start giving bread as gifts to our friends. Then they reciprocate those gifts? Trading bread for other things? At what point does it become capital?

norea-armozel 10y ago
I would say it's the scope that defines the issue. If you own a bread maker it's not really depriving anyone of making their own bread. But if I own a bread making factory where I either flood the market to control bread making in general or otherwise use bullies with clubs to stop you from making your own bread then I'm abusing my position as a capital owner. That's the real problem that I think gets lost or outright ignored in this sorts of discussions (i.e. people too focused on personal possessions of their cars, homes, and bread makers). Owning capital in itself isn't inherently bad. It's when you monopolize the use of it or use it as a means to deprive others from acquiring access to capital for their own purposes (ex. IP laws) then you're acting in a manner that's dishonest and in opposition to the natural order of markets (maximizing production based on immediate demand).
- UK-AL 10y ago
  Except monopoly is the exception not the norm in most market areas..