You're both right, it just depends on what is meant by "we". If it means humanity, then socialism has existed and it is better. If it means the country the speaker is from then it varies, and usually capitalism would have been a great advancement socially over precapitalist systems (whether that be primitive accumulation of capital through slavery in the Americas or feudalism in many other places).
Between the American unbridled unregulated capitalism and full on socialism there's the Nordic countries spin on capitalism. I'd very much argue that's the best system.
Maybe for those with the privilege to live securely in that system, but it is still a capitalist system. Exploitation of labor is still fundamental, it just manages to export most of it to the global south while keeping stronger safety nets for citizens. It is certainly more comfortable for people living under it than the blatantly decaying US, but the sacrifices to keep the machine running are just hidden from view.
The Nordic model reduces some capitalism problems but not all and they're still there and the system is broken. It really needs a non-capitalism based successor very soon.
But it's true that in only bad options one can still be the "best"
Nah, socialism is better and it has existed
You're both right, it just depends on what is meant by "we". If it means humanity, then socialism has existed and it is better. If it means the country the speaker is from then it varies, and usually capitalism would have been a great advancement socially over precapitalist systems (whether that be primitive accumulation of capital through slavery in the Americas or feudalism in many other places).
Between the American unbridled unregulated capitalism and full on socialism there's the Nordic countries spin on capitalism. I'd very much argue that's the best system.
Maybe for those with the privilege to live securely in that system, but it is still a capitalist system. Exploitation of labor is still fundamental, it just manages to export most of it to the global south while keeping stronger safety nets for citizens. It is certainly more comfortable for people living under it than the blatantly decaying US, but the sacrifices to keep the machine running are just hidden from view.
I suggest you watch this video
The Nordic model reduces some capitalism problems but not all and they're still there and the system is broken. It really needs a non-capitalism based successor very soon.
But it's true that in only bad options one can still be the "best"
Nordic "socialism" is just capitalism