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About this quote

What does it mean?
Marx observes that solid structures dissolve, sacred things are profaned, and humanity must confront its real conditions and relations.
In plain terms
Old structures collapse and people must face reality.
What can you take from it?
Recognize and adapt to changing material conditions.

Where it applies

  • cultural analysis
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • examine current institutions
  • accept impermanence

Questions to consider

  • Which structures truly melt away?
  • How can we retain meaning amid change?

Another view

It may overgeneralize the dissolution of all structures.

More from Karl Marx

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  3. Philosophy stands in the same relation to the study of the actual world as masturbation to sexual love.

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