Socialism/Socialism and Communism: What's the difference?

Socialism and Communism. Ideas in minds written in books that shaped the world as we know it.

Sadly, many people don't understand that there is a difference between these two systems. During the Cold War, most capitalist countries glanced at the two ideologies and didn't notice a different between them. But really, what is the difference between Socialism and Communism?

In simple terms, communism is "To each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." Or even more simply put, if you are strong, you work, building structures and roads and get the needs you need. If you are not as strong but are pretty smart, you contribute to the society by bringing new ideas to the table, and you get your needs. Everybody gets their basic needs and additional personal needs.

In simple terms, socialism is "To each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution" Now I see why everyone was confused. Socialism is similiar but instead of needs it's saying how much you work, how much the rewards you get.

Socialism mostly differs in the historical sense. Early communists called for a revolution to usher in a communist utopia. Many socialists say a gradual, slow move to socialism. Some communists even consider socialism to be this kind of transitionary ideology, after the revolution but before the communist utopia, to transition.

Seldom, socialism shows a bit of capitalist elements. Communist outright rejects capitalism. Some communists see socialism as "revisionary"

Communism, whether you like it or not, has mostly failed, the Soviet Union collapsed, China opened its market, and Vietnam became a bit more religiously tolerant, so modern day communism is mostly a push to regulate the markets. Only a few hardliners like the CPC(M-L) up in Canada actually push for a revolution.

So, if what I said was too long to read, or you don't real understand what I mean, then I'll give you the short answer. Socialism is basically soft Communism.

- Aedipikiw v2.0