Capitalism tends to destroy its two sources of wealth: nature and human beings.
Capitalist production, only develops the techniques and the degree of combination of the social process of production by simultaneously undermining the original sources of all wealth – the earth and the worker.
Capitalism is destined to destroy itself based on these (not limited to) “features” of capitalism:
- Crisis Cycles: Some theorists argue that capitalism is inherently prone to cycles of boom and bust, leading to periodic crises. These crises may create conditions that could undermine the system, but they are also often followed by recovery and adaptation.
- Inequality and Discontent: Critics of capitalism point to rising inequality and social discontent as potential threats to its stability. If wealth becomes increasingly concentrated, it could lead to social unrest or calls for systemic change.
- Environmental Limits: The sustainability of capitalism is also questioned in the context of environmental degradation and resource depletion. If the system does not adapt to limit environmental harm, it could face significant challenges.
- Technological Disruption: Advances in technology may disrupt traditional capitalist structures, leading to new forms of economic organization. This could either strengthen or weaken capitalism, depending on how these changes are managed.
- Globalization and Interdependence: The interconnectedness of global markets means that economic crises can have widespread effects, potentially leading to systemic risks that could challenge capitalism as we know it.