Keep in mind that socialism/communism isn't inherently bad. What made all large-scale attempts at it thus far bad was the manner in which it was enforced and the tendency of people to exploit the system. If A) People could use the socialist system without abusing it and B) it could be implemented willingly by self-discipline rather than governmentally and dictatorially enforced, it would not only be successful, but would go hand-in-hand with solving most, if not all, the ills in the world. This is the ideal system envisioned by Taoists; a system in which all people exist cooperatively, do what needs to be done without unnecessary complication, and each person is essentially a "country of one" governing their own actions with self-discipline and good-will.
In such a system, we would produce what is needed; not in excess or insufficiency. People would work simply out of realization that there is work to be done. We wouldn't have stores but depots where people would go to take the consumables that they need and borrow non-consumables. It would eliminate the need for redundancy (2 competing stores in close proximity, multiple brands of the same product, etc) which would drastically reduce waste and increase efficiency. Lots of redundant/superfluous jobs would be eliminated and the people-to-work ratio would be very high. A person on average would only need work an hour per week or so; those who are diligent and enjoy the work can opt to do more. Those who want to focus on abstract subjects like literature, philosophy, and art would be free to do so without the constraints or worry about dealing with a traditional job.
To achieve this state, all mankind has to do is evolve to the point that they can override the instinctual programming that compels them to be selfish in favor of a "social self-preservation" instinct that compels them to be perfectly cooperative. Many are there already and waiting for the rest. Many more have started the process for themselves. But the vast majority are either stalled at the starting line or don't even know that there IS a starting line. We won't be able to start this system until the vast majority of people are either ready or almost ready for it. Until then, we wait and deal with the world as it is now the best we can.
