Able Quote by Karl Marx
“Modern bourgeois society with its relations of production, of exchange, and of property, a society that has conjured up such gigantic means of production and of exchange, is like the sorcerer, who is no longer able to control the powers of the nether world whom he has called up by his spells.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Das Kapital, Volume I, 1867
The quote warns that capitalism’s massive productive forces become uncontrollable, like a sorcerer overwhelmed by his own magic.
In simple terms: Capitalism’s power outgrows its creators.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of unchecked growth.
Themes
economics
power
control
technology
society
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
warning
When to use this quote
- industrial policy
- financial regulation
- environmental management
- labor relations
Key Concepts
Marxism
systemic risk
alienation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we redesign institutions to regain control?
- What safeguards prevent power from escaping?
A Different Perspective
It may underestimate human agency to reshape systems.
