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About this quote

What does it mean?
Marx describes the bourgeois era as marked by constant change, disruption, and perpetual uncertainty, setting it apart from earlier periods.
In plain terms
The capitalist age is defined by ongoing upheaval and instability.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that rapid change is inherent to modern economies.

Where it applies

  • analyzing economic cycles
  • studying social movements

Putting it to work

  • monitoring market trends
  • adapting business strategies

Questions to consider

  • How does constant disruption affect social stability?
  • Can any society escape perpetual uncertainty?

Another view

The claim may overgeneralize the complexity of historical epochs.

More from Karl Marx

  1. The theory of Communism may be summed up in the single sentence: Abolition of private property.

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  2. It [the bourgeoisie] has pitilessly torn asunder the motley of ties that bound man to his 'natural superiors,' and left remaining no other nexus between man an…

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses, his real conditions of life, and his re…

    Permalink to quote #30

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