People are actually very good at being communists in the…
“People are actually very good at being communists in the sense that they instantly abandon capitalism, that they love these relationships of mutual aid, because the astonishing thing about disasters is that people are often weirdly joyous in them, because they've recovered a sense of agency, a sense of power, etc.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In crises, people often reject market values, embracing mutual aid and feeling empowered, which can bring unexpected joy.
In simple terms: Disasters can spark cooperative joy and empowerment.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support community solidarity during crises.
Themes
community
mutual aid
disaster response
human nature
empowerment
Mood
hopeful
reflective
urgent
Type
observational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- emergency shelters
- neighborhood rebuilding
- online mutual aid platforms
- volunteer coordination
Key Concepts
social solidarity
collective resilience
psychology of crisis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we sustain mutual aid after a disaster?
- What risks arise when joy overshadows grief?
A Different Perspective
Joy may be temporary and can mask underlying trauma or inequality.