more from Karl Marx

Single Idea 21989

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 9. Communism]

Full Idea

Money is the alienated essence of man's labour and life, and this alien essence dominates him as he worships it.

Gist of Idea

Man is dominated by money, which is the essence of his alienation

Source

Karl Marx (On the Jewish Question [1844], p.60), quoted by Peter Singer - Marx 3

Book Reference

Singer,Peter: 'Marx' [OUP 1996], p.18


A Reaction

Presumably this is inherit in the very nature of money, rather than in the wickedness of capitalists who control it. But money is not inherently alienting for the rich, or for the comfortable bourgeoisie (is it?).