What is "socialism"? - An attempt to clear up myths/misconceptions

[Locknuts]

sc94597 said:

Locknuts said:
The question remains: Why would you want to replace a system that has produced the highest standards of living and longest life expectancies for the most people in human history with something as radical as 'real socialism' and ultimately Communism?

The chances of a radical new system actually working as well as what we have now are so small it's completely irresponsible to even propose the idea (as anything more than just an idea) until what we have collapses irreparably.

Because we can always do better? Capitalism replaced feudalism which replaced slave societies which replaced tribal communities, etc. When the benefits of capitalism are so disproportionate why settle on it and say, "yep this is the best social system"? 

Why do you think the chances of a new radical system working as well as what we have now are so small? There was a time when capitalism was radical and the aristocrats were warning about the instability and "radicalism" of liberal democracy. 

What we have now will collapse, albeit not all at once. Just like feudal institutions didn't collapse all at once. But if people don't put pressure on the system, nothing will change. Just as if the civil rights movement didn't happen, nothing would've changed for black-Americans. Social change isn't automatic. It must be actively achieved. 

I can appreciate the conservative argument that this change should be well-thought out and not imposed on other people though, despite this. 

Small, incremental improvements are fine, of course. I'm of the opinion that what we have now is a fragile miracle. Changing things too radically will most likely mean more suffering.