“Capitalist production, therefore, develops technology, and the combining together of various processes into a social whole, only by sapping the original sources of all wealth – the soil and the labourer.”
- May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883
- Born in the Kingdom of Prussia (Germany)
- Philosopher, economist, political thinker
- Wrote Das Kapital and laid the foundations for socialist and communist thought
Quote
“Capitalist production, therefore, develops technology, and the combining together of various processes into a social whole, only by sapping the original sources of all wealth – the soil and the labourer.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marx argues that capitalist production advances technology and social organization, but it does so at the expense of the two primary sources of wealth: land (soil) and labor. The development of technology under capitalism is often seen as a sign of progress, as it increases efficiency and productivity. However, Marx points out that this technological advancement is achieved by exploiting and depleting the natural environment (the soil) and the working class (the laborer). Instead of sustaining these essential sources of wealth, capitalism tends to extract value from them in a way that ultimately degrades or diminishes their long-term viability.
Marx’s critique centers on the idea that capitalism is inherently exploitative, and technological progress is primarily driven by the desire for profit rather than the well-being of workers or the environment. In a capitalist system, the laborer’s work is undervalued and treated as a commodity to be bought and sold, while the soil is increasingly exploited for resources, often through methods that lead to environmental degradation. Capitalism thus creates a rift between human labor and the land, causing harm to both, while enriching a small class of capitalists. Marx saw this as a fundamental contradiction in the capitalist system, where wealth is generated at the expense of the very resources that create that wealth.
This quote remains relevant today in discussions about environmental sustainability and labor rights. For example, in industries like agriculture and mining, modern technologies often lead to overexploitation of land and natural resources, while workers are subjected to poor working conditions and low wages. The modern debate around climate change echoes Marx’s point that the pursuit of profit through technological advancement can come at the expense of the environment and the people who depend on it. The idea of sustainable development challenges capitalist models of unchecked growth, advocating for systems that balance technological progress with the preservation of natural resources and the dignity of labor.
