Hail to the First Socialist

Socialists the world over have done a great disservice to the inventor of socialism. Karl Marx has been given this honor, but those that are in the know understand that he was only copying the ideas of a much earlier socialist. This first socialist started working to bring about class equality and eliminate socioeconomic classes in the middle ages. By comparison, Marx is a latecomer, not writing his socialist theories till the later half of the 1800s.

This first socialist is one who is even wider known than Marx, even though he has never received proper credit for his work. In fact, his existence has been relegated to legend, ignoring the important social work that he did in his time. I am speaking, of course, of Robin Hood.

While Robin Hood’s philosophy was much simpler than that of Marx, nor did it include the ravings of the latter. Hood didn’t see a need to foment revolution or destruction of society as it was known, he was only interested in the redistribution of wealth. While Marx spoke of a utopian society where everyone was equal, Hood was more pragmatic, recognizing the differences that existed and doing what he could to create financial equality and help the poor.

Yet, Hood’s basic philosophy is stated throughout Marx’s writings. While Marx encouraged the masses to rise up in revolt, in order to take what he felt was rightfully theirs, Hood just took what Marx was after.

Ever since Marx’s time, socialist movements worldwide have concentrated on Robin Hood’s basic philosophy, that of stealing from the rich, so that the poor could have it. Regardless of whom they give the credit to, their philosophy remains the same, “they have it, we want it, let’s take it.”

Unfortunately, this great socialistic hero is depicted in folklore as a criminal. Granted, a hero criminal, but a criminal nevertheless. Had he accomplished what he did through revolution or politics, he would be seen as a progressive political genius, but his methods leave even the most hard-core socialists shaken. While they want to take what the rich have, they also want to do so under the cover of law. In other words, they want to create laws which permit them to steal, not just do the action.

Perhaps someday, Robin will receive his due praise for his visionary social programs. Maybe once the world becomes socialist, they will recognize the contributions made by this great hero. When everyone is equally poor, they will cry out for a new Robin Hood to rob from the rich whom they have eliminated, to give more to them.