Karl Marx Quotes Flashcards
“Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, They have a world to win. Workingmen of all countries, unite!’
- What is a communist revolution
- Who are proletarians
- What does this quote mean
What is a communist revolution: A political movement in which the working class (p) overthrows the ruling capitalist (b) and establishes a society without private property, explotation etc.
Who are proletarians?: The proletariat is the working class in capitalism, forced to sell their labor because they own no means of production. Marx saw them as the key to overthrowing capitalism and creating a classless society.
What does the quote mean: The ruling class should fear a communist uprising because it threatens their power. Workers (proletarians) have nothing to lose except their oppressions.
“Democracy is the road to socialism”
- What is democracy
- What is socialism
- What does this mean
What is democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people
What is socialism: A system where the government or workers own major sectors
Do you agree? This means: The idea that democracy empowers the working class, may demand reforms that reduce capitalist explotation and increase government involvement in the economy
“Social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex”
- What do you think this means
- Do you think this evident today
What do you think this means? If women have equal access to education, employment, leadership and personal autonomy - it reflects a society that has progressed socially, politically and economically
Do you think this is evident today: The wealthiest, most developed countries e.g. Norway - among the top 5 countries for lowest gender disparity.
“In bourgeois society capital is independent and has individuality, while the living person is dependent and has no individuality”
- What is a bourgeois society
- What does it mean by capital
- What is the quote implying
“Religion is the impotence of the human mind to deal with occurrences it cannot understand”
- What does it mean by impotence
- What does the quote mean
- Do you agree
What is a bourgeois society?: A capitalist society where the bourgeoisie (owning class) controls the means of production and exploits the working class (proletariat).
What does it mean by capital?: Wealth or assets (like factories, machines, and money) used to generate profit, controlled by the bourgeoisie.
What is the quote implying?: In capitalism, wealth (capital) has power and independence, while workers (proletariat) are dependent on wages and lack true individuality or freedom.
“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion”
Think about personal freedom & purpose
- Violation of individual freedom
Violation of individual freedom: Abolishing religion would infringe on personal liberty, including freedom or beleif and conscience. People find meaning, comfort, and community in religion, and forcing its removal would be an authoritarian act
“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion”
Think about personal freedom & purpose
- Misunderstandings and the Role of religion
Religion is not just about belied in the supernatural; it provides moral frameworks, cultural traditions, and social cohesion. Many charitable, educational, and humanitarian efforts are driven by religious organisations
“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion”
Think about personal freedom & purpose
- Empirical counterarguments
Historically, attempts to abolish religion (e.g. Soviet Russia, Maoist China) led to repression, sufferings and ironically, did not elimate religious sentiment. Countries with high religious adherence can still have happy and thriving populations
“The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion”
Think about personal freedom & purpose
- Religion as a psychological and social support
Studies show that religious belied can contribute to well-being, reducing stress, fostering resilience, and providing a sense of purpose. Many people find hope and solace within faith
