Cover of The Soul of Man under Socialism

The Soul of Man under Socialism

by Oscar Wilde

First published
1891
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"The Soul of Man under Socialism" by Oscar Wilde is an essay published in 1891. Wilde presents a libertarian socialist vision that challenges conventional charity and capitalism. He argues that poverty prevents people from realizing their true potential and that well-meaning altruism only prolongs suffering by addressing symptoms rather than causes. Wilde advocates for a socialist society that abolishes private property, freeing individuals from material concerns to pursue creative self-development and artistic expression. He envisions socialism as a path to true individualism, not authoritarian control.

  • Socialism

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #1017. The Soul of Man under Socialism on Wikipedia.

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