Single Idea 7128

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / a. Religious Belief]

Full Idea

Religion is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness.

Gist of Idea

Religion is the opium of the people, and real happiness requires its abolition

Source

Karl Marx (Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right [1844], Intro)

Book Reference

'Varieties of Unbelief', ed/tr. Gaskin,J.C.A. [Macmillan 1989], p.158


A Reaction

Not being religious myself, I have some sympathy with this ringing clarion-call. However, while opium satisfies an artificial and superficial need, religion certainly seems to speak to something deeper and more central in people.

Related Ideas

Idea 21085 The church has a political role, by offering a supreme power over people [Kant]

Idea 24206 Revolution (not religion) is the opium of the people [Weil]