Capitalist Quote by Karl Marx
“What the working man sells is not directly his Labor, but his Laboring Power, the temporary disposal of which he makes over to the capitalist. This is so much the case that I do not know whether by the English Law, but certainly by some Continental Laws, the maximum time is fixed for which a man is allowed to sell his laboring power. If allowed to do so for any indefinite period whatever, slavery would be immediately restored. Such a sale, if it comprised his lifetime, for example, would make him at once the lifelong slave of his employer.”
About This Quote
Labor power is a commodity sold temporarily to capitalists; unlimited sale would equate to slavery.
In simple terms: Selling work ability, not the work itself.
Key Takeaway
Limit the duration of labor contracts.
Themes
labor
capitalism
exploitation
rights
law
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
economic
political
When to use this quote
- temporary employment
- gig economy
- contract negotiations
- legal reforms
- worker protections
Key Concepts
commodity theory
contract law
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can law protect workers from indefinite contracts?
- What limits should be set on selling labor power?
A Different Perspective
If contracts are indefinite, workers may become de facto slaves.
