Capital is reckless of the health or length of life of the laborer, unless under compulsion from society

Capital is reckless of the health or length of life of the laborer, unless under compulsion from society

Karl Marx, a renowned philosopher and economist, believed that capitalism inherently exploits the laborer for the benefit of the capitalist class. In his famous quote, "Capital is reckless of the health or length of life of the laborer, unless under compulsion from society," Marx highlights the callous nature of capitalism towards the well-being of the working class.

According to Marx, the primary goal of capitalism is to maximize profits, often at the expense of the laborer's health and longevity. In a capitalist system, workers are viewed as mere commodities, whose value is determined solely by their ability to generate profits for the capitalist class. As a result, capitalists have little regard for the physical and mental well-being of the laborer, as long as they can extract maximum productivity from them.

Marx argues that the capitalist system creates a vicious cycle of exploitation, where workers are forced to work long hours in unsafe conditions, with little to no regard for their health or safety. This relentless pursuit of profit leads to the deterioration of the laborer's physical and mental health, ultimately shortening their lifespan.

Furthermore, Marx believed that the capitalist class would only take action to improve the working conditions of laborers if compelled to do so by society. This compulsion could come in the form of labor unions, government regulations, or social movements advocating for workers' rights. Without external pressure, capitalists have no incentive to prioritize the well-being of their workers over profits.