Pictures of the Socialistic Future (freely adapted from Bebel)

"Pictures of the Socialistic Future" by Eugen Richter is a satirical story describing a future society run by socialist principles, as experienced by a working man and his family during a celebration of the new system. Initially hopeful, the workman and his family see the supposed "joy" of the new regime, including his silver wedding anniversary and his son's engagement, but quickly begins to see its problems. The book shows the man’s growing disappointment as the government's strict rules become clear, such as taking away private property and assigning socialist work that causes problems and separates families. This growing unrest shows how the socialist ideas, that first seemed so inspiring, lead to disillusionment.