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Capitalist Quote by Karl Marx

“If the labourer consumes his disposable time for himself, he robs the capitalist.” quote by Karl Marx
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“If the labourer consumes his disposable time for himself, he robs the capitalist.”

Karl Marx

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Capital, Volume I, 1867

When workers spend leisure on personal pursuits, they divert value from capital, effectively “robbing” the system.

In simple terms: Workers using free time for themselves reduces capitalist profit.

Key Takeaway

Balance personal time with collective responsibility.

Themes

labor capital value leisure

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • union organizing
  • policy making
  • personal budgeting

Key Concepts

marxism economics class struggle

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is personal fulfillment compatible with capitalist structures?
  • How can workers claim time without “robbing” capital?
A Different Perspective

Leisure can also rejuvenate productivity.

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