“From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” is one of the most famous quotes found in the Communist Manifesto. When compared to a phrase from Ayn Rand's book, Atlas Shrugged, which states that "man - every man - is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others", I believe that Marx's quote stands out better fit what society should be. Overall, the quote promotes philanthropy and contentment, while Rand's encourages selfishness. To me, the first part of Marx's quote means that people should give to society the best they can according to their abilities. This benefits the financial and volunteer side of philanthropy. Philanthropy is a crucial part of today's society; gives people a better life. A personal example of this would be my experiences with Camp Good News. Camp Good News is a volunteer-run, nonprofit camp for inner-city children. Since the camp uses volunteers, parents can send their children there for a week on the cheap. Many summer camps, even Christian ones, can cost several hundred dollars, but attending Camp Good News costs less than a hundred dollars. I have had the pleasure of spending many summers volunteering at Camp Good News, and by doing so, I have enabled children to attend camp without placing a substantial burden on those who care for them. I was donating to the community according to my ability. I was fulfilling the first part of Marx's quote, and in the process, I was improving children's lives. Philanthropy not only improves people's lives, but is vital to the survival of many people. Numerous individuals would not live without philanthropy or government intervention. An example of this is found in the CBS Evening News YouTube video with K...... in the center of the paper ......Quote from Rand: Would they really be able to do this? Who would find the government as a soldier, police or fireman? A person who “lives for himself” would not sacrifice his life for others. No one would voluntarily join the military, police force or fire brigade. The government should force its citizens to comply. It would be very difficult for them to do so. People would simply leave their jobs and responsibilities. Strictly and absolutely following Rand's quote would ruin society. “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” this is how our society should be. The quote encourages philanthropy and contentment. If our society were based on Rand's quote, it would ultimately self-destruct. It would destroy all altruism which would lead to the elimination of the military, the police, the fire department and, ultimately, America.