solidarity in respect of need says: if any member of society has an unsatisfied need, each member has a duty to produce its object (if they can). But that is precisely what the principle 'from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs!' dictates. In Marx's vision, the basic principle of developed communism is a principle of solidarity in respect of need. Debates on the idea Marx delineated the specific conditions under which such a creed would be applicable—a society where technology and social organization had substantially eliminated the need for physical labor in the production of things, where "labor has become not only a means of life but life's prime want". Marx explained his belief that, in such a society, each person would be motivated to work for the good of society despite the absence of a social mechanism compelling them to work, because work would have become a pleasurable and creative activity. Marx intended the initial part of his slogan, "from each according to his ability" to suggest not merely that each person should work as hard as they can, but that each person should best develop their particular talents. Claiming themselves to be at a "lower stage of communism" (i.e. "socialism", in line with Vladimir Lenin’s terminology), the Soviet Union adapted the formula as: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his work (labour investment)". This was incorporated in Article 12 of the 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, but described by Leon Trotsky as "This inwardly contradictory, not to say nonsensical, formula". See also Anarchist communism Acts 2:44 Acts 4:32 Communism Equality of outcome He who does not work, neither shall he eat Jedem das Seine Justice Post-scarcity economy Parasitism (social offense) Suum cuique To each according to his contribution Workers of the world, unite! Seven deadly sins Sloth (deadly sin) References Bibliography Further reading External links Critique of the Gotha Program (includes Marx's original use of the slogan) Marxism and Ethics Encountering Communism: the theories of Karl Marx Marxism Communism Political catchphrases Acts of the Apostles Ethical principles