Men make their own history but not in circumstances of their own choosing.

Mankind always sets itself only such tasks as it can solve; since, looking at the matter more closely, we will always find that the task itself arises only when the material conditions necessary for its solution already exist or are at least in the process of formation.

The more the division of labor and the application of machinery extend, the more does competition extend among the workers, the more do their wages shrink together.

Society is a sort of organism on the growth of which conscious efforts can exercise little effect.

The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.

So far no chemist has ever discovered exchange-value either in a pearl or a diamond.

English law in 1572 decreed that beggars above 14 years of age are to be severely flogged and branded on the left ear unless some one will take them into service for two years; in case of a repetition of the offense, if they are over 18, they are to be executed, unless some one will take them into service for two years; but for the third offence they are to be executed without mercy as felons.