Society does not consist of individuals but expresses the sum of interrelations, the relations within which these individuals stand.

As, in religion, man is governed by the products of his own brain, so in capitalistic production, he is governed by the products of his own hand.

A commodity appears at first sight an extremely obvious, trivial thing. But its analysis brings out that it is a very strange thing, abounding in metaphysical subtleties and theological niceties.

A nation that enslaves another forges its own chains.

Only in community with others has each individual the means of cultivating his gifts in all directions; only in the community, therefore, is personal freedom possible.

The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe. It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connections everywhere. The bourgeoisie has, through its exploitation of the world market, given a cosmopolitan character to production and consumption in every country. To the great chagrin of reactionaries, it has drawn from under the feet of industry the national ground on which it stood.

History does nothing; it does not possess immense riches, it does not fight battles. It is men, real, living, who do all this.