X "Marx" the Spot

Based on the first section of The Communist Manifesto, Marx has very few things he likes about capitalism. He admits that many great things have been created as a result of capitalism; these great achievements even “surpassing Egyptian pyramids [and] Roman aqueducts” (58). Marx also compliments capitalism on its ability of being more productive than all the generations that have preceded it. In addition, Marx is also lauds capitalism’s ability to rid these nations of the society of feudalism. Despite his few praises for capitalism, Marx finds that overall it is lacking in several areas. He reveals that capitalism easily aids the monetary and productive growth of a society, but is fundamentally without any constraints on the exploitation of the working class, or proletariat. The bourgeoisie use everyone and anyone who can work; any age, race or gender. Also, the proletariats are simply considered an extension of the machine they work because of the type of industrialized labor they must perform. Therefore, the lower class are not seen as individuals or humans, but simply instruments of labor, to be used at whatever age or condition and disposed of when they can no longer work. This work is also so lacking in skill, that they lose much of their intellectual abilities, simply adding to the debasement of the working class. Furthermore, Marx decries the emphasis on self interest that capitalism creates. He strongly dislikes that this system creates a class that only cares about its productivity and it profit. The lack of human compassion in capitalism clearly has negative effects on the treatment of the working class. Lastly, Marx does not agree with the way in which capitalism conducts its business. Because of the greed engendered through capitalism, nations need to scavenge through all parts of the world to find worthy resources, while ignoring the national resources and industries within their nation. Therefore, the locally owned businesses are shut out by the more profitable foreign industries. Overall, Marx does not see that the oppression of the majority for the wealth of a few is in any way profitable for a nation.