Articles Quote by Leon Trotsky
“As long as human labor power, and, consequently, life itself, remain articles of sale and purchase, of exploitation and robbery, the principle of the “sacredness of human life” remains a shameful lie, uttered with the object of keeping the oppressed slaves in their chains.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Revolution Betrayed", 1937
He argues that treating human labor as a commodity undermines true human dignity, exposing a false moral claim.
In simple terms: Selling labor dehumanizes people.
Key Takeaway
Reject commodifying human life.
Themes
exploitation
human rights
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workers’ rights activism
- policy debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
labor as commodity
capitalist critique
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true dignity exist under capitalism?
- What alternatives protect labor?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate complexities of market economies.
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