"A common danger tends to concord. Communism is the exploitation of the strong by the weak. In Communism, inequality comes from placing mediocrity on a level with excellence"

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon was a 19th-century French thinker and socialist, frequently regarded as a pioneering thinker in anarchism. His quote touches on several themes connected to human society and political systems, particularly communism, as he viewed it.

The very first part of the quote, "A typical danger tends to concord", suggests that when faced with a shared threat, individuals, groups, or perhaps nations tend to unite. This concept suggests that difficulty acts as an effective driver for collaboration and harmony, as collective survival takes precedence over specific distinctions. Historically, this concept has actually been observed in times of war or crisis, where divisions diminish in the face of a larger, shared enemy.

The subsequent declaration, "Communism is the exploitation of the strong by the weak", provides an intriguing position. Generally, exploitation is considered as the powerful taking advantage of the less powerful. Nevertheless, Proudhon turns this narrative, recommending that communism, in his view, makes it possible for the weak or less competent to exploit the strong or more capable through enforced equality. This perspective highlights a perceived defect in communist ideology, where the talents and efforts of the more capable are overridden by the cumulative needs of egalitarian circulation.

Lastly, Proudhon claims, "In Communism, inequality originates from placing mediocrity on a level with quality". Here, he critiques the communist perfect of absolute equality. By relating mediocrity with quality, Proudhon argues that a communist system naturally produces a new type of inequality. It suppresses exceptional talent and capabilities, leading to a social stagnancy and discontent among those who may feel their contributions are undervalued or unrecognized.

In general, Proudhon's review of communism reflects his broader philosophical position advocating for a balance in between individual liberty and cumulative well-being, cautioning versus systems that may reduce human potential under the guise of equality. His quote welcomes reflection on how societies worth and benefit specific distinctions while striving for cohesion and shared prosperity.