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Communism differs from all previous movements in that it overturns the basis of all earlier relations of production and intercourse, and for the first time consciously treats all natural premises as the creatures of hitherto existing men, strips them of their natural character and subjugates them to the power of the united individuals. Its organisation is, therefore, essentially economic, the material production of the conditions of this unity; it turns existing conditions into conditions of unity. The reality, which communism is creating, is precisely the true basis for rendering it impossible that anything should exist independently of individuals, insofar as reality is only a product of the preceding intercourse of individuals themselves.

Karl Marx#27

EconomicsMarxismCommunismProductionUnity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Marx describes communism as overturning previous production relations, making natural premises products of human activity, and uniting individuals economically.
In plain terms
Communism reshapes production so nature serves human unity.
What can you take from it?
Economic reorganization is key to collective unity.

Where it applies

  • social planning
  • economic policy

Putting it to work

  • restructure ownership
  • coordinate collective labor

Questions to consider

  • What limits exist to reshaping nature?
  • How does unity emerge from economic change?

Another view

It assumes that all natural conditions can be fully controlled by humans.

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