Human beings Quote by Friedrich Engels
““The middle classes have a truly extraordinary conception of society. They really believe that human beings . . . have real existence only if they make money or help to make it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Condition of the Working Class in England, 1845
The middle class defines human worth by economic contribution, equating existence with money-making or facilitating it.
In simple terms: They value people only for their economic role.
Key Takeaway
Recognize worth beyond profit.
Themes
class
economics
human dignity
materialism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- workplace evaluation
- policy debate
- personal self-worth
- community building
Key Concepts
Marxism
social critique
value theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define personal worth beyond income?
- What societal changes could broaden this view?
A Different Perspective
Economic focus can ignore non‑material contributions.
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