The Eve of Labor Day: The Dilemma of Capitalist Production and the Plight and Path of Workers

Labor Day is approaching. This holiday originated from the large strike by workers in Chicago, USA, on May 1, 1886, demanding an 8-hour workday.

At this time, there are always some economists calling for the abolition of labor laws and the implementation of a completely free employment system. However, we need to recognize that economic theories and the views of economists are all biased. Even if they try to hide their positions, as long as they express their opinions, their tendencies will be revealed.

The positions of these economists typically lean towards capitalists or business owners. Their remarks may align with the image of "capitalists' lackeys" as described by Mr. Lu Xun. Mr. Lu Xun once pointed out sharply that these individuals, whether or not they are nurtured by specific capitalists, will flatter the rich and roar at the poor.

It is worth noting that the scholars' discussions about the causal relationship between work systems and trade wars or even hot wars are incorrect. In fact, it was excessive overtime and overproduction that prompted capitalists to seek overseas markets, leading to the global colonial wars of the 17th to 19th centuries.

Human production can be simply divided into three stages: self-sufficiency, meeting the needs of others, and production for profit. The third stage, which is the capitalist mode of production, often leads to overproduction, supply surplus, and ultimately triggers trade conflicts and wars.

Under the capitalist mode of production, the behavior of capitalists is similar to that of speculators chasing short-term profits, blindly expanding production regardless of actual demand. This behavior ultimately leads to value dilution and creates a negative-sum game situation.

The critical turning point lies in whether the purpose of production is "for people" or "for money". When production becomes capitalist, people are reduced to tools for realizing profit.

Under this system, workers face tremendous pressure. They have to pay more for their own survival, yet often only create more profits for capitalists. Therefore, what capitalists fear the most is that workers choose to lie flat.

How can ordinary people protect their interests in such an environment? One possible approach is to look at the problem from a higher perspective, understand the logic of capitalist production, and exploit its inherent weaknesses.

At the current historical stage, perhaps we should think about how to gain more freedom within a limited amount of working time. At the same time, we also need to be wary of those who promote get-rich-quick schemes, as these are often an IQ tax or a harvesting machine.

In the end, faced with the various problems of the capitalist mode of production, we need to maintain a clear mind and strive to find a survival path that suits us. Whether by improving production efficiency or seeking new economic models, we should work hard to create a fairer and more dignified labor environment.