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The values of commodities are directly as the times of…

“The values of commodities are directly as the times of labor employed in their production, and are inversely as the productive powers of the labor employed.” quote by Karl Marx
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“The values of commodities are directly as the times of labor employed in their production, and are inversely as the productive powers of the labor employed.”

Karl Marx

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Commodity values reflect the amount of labor time required, adjusted for labor productivity.

In simple terms: Value equals labor time, modified by productivity.

Key Takeaway

Consider labor time and productivity when assessing value.

Themes

economics labor theory value productivity

Mood

analytical critical

Type

economic theoretical

When to use this quote

  • pricing goods
  • wage negotiations
  • production planning
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

Marxism labor theory of value economic measurement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does productivity affect price?
  • What other factors influence value?
A Different Perspective

Ignores non‑labor factors like scarcity or demand.

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