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Capital is reckless of the health or length of life of the laborer, unless under compulsion from society.
Karl Marx
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote critiques capitalism's disregard for workers' well-being unless forced to care by societal pressure.

In this quote, Karl Marx emphasizes that capitalism prioritizes profit over the health and longevity of its laborers. He asserts that only when society compels it does capital take responsibility for the lives of workers, highlighting a fundamental critique of how economic systems often exploit human labor without regard for individual welfare.

Themes

CapitalismLaborHealthSocietyWorkers

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on workers' rights, this quote can highlight the need for systemic changes.

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