Blood donation as a form of socialism (or selfishness, if you prefer)

July 20, 2016

I give blood as often as I can, and I’d like to encourage more people to do it more often.

It gives me a nice feeling to do something to help other people - as with most of us, I don’t do that often enough. It doesn’t take long, and it could literally save a life.

Being one to overthink everything, I also feel like there’s something inherently socialist about the act of sharing your blood with your fellow humans. The connection between blood and self is so intimate, and here we are giving it away.

What better illustration is there of the idea of distribution of goods from each according to his ability, to each according to his need? What better way is there to help others?

If you’re more selfishly inclined, you may prefer to think about it in terms of reciprocity. One day you might need somebody else’s blood.

Also, there are biscuits.

So please share your blood with the world.