Quotation
Last reviewed:
“The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.”
Karl Marx · Historical materialism · Modern · 1845
What does it mean?
The philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point is to change it. Thesis 11 is a note, published later by Engels, and it criticises a contemplative stance, not thinking as such. The earlier theses are full of argument about materialism and practice. A rival reading says the line became a permission slip for people who were tired of argument: change first, and call the demand for reasons a delay. He wanted a materialism that includes sensuous human activity. He did not write a ban on interpretation.
Did Karl Marx really say this?
The library’s label is Paraphrase or translation. Thesis 11, standard English of Marx's German. The theses were notes, published later by Engels. The line is his, and it is a critique of a philosophical stance, not a ban on thinking.
Where it comes from
Theses on Feuerbach, thesis 11
Approximate date: 1845.
How to use it
A campaign meeting in Tower Hamlets produces a flawless analysis of rents and no one will say what they will do on Monday. Ask whether that is the contemplation he is scolding. Then ask, separately, whether his confidence that change follows the right analysis is earned. Those are different questions.
A mindset reading
The line is not 'thinking is useless'. If you need it to say that, you are using a poster, not the theses. Understanding the note includes the theses that make 'practice' a philosophical word rather than a cough.
Understand the philosophy
The theses pivot away from Feuerbach. Marx wants activity inside the materialism, not matter plus a sermon. Thesis 11 is the one on the mugs because it fits. The fit is not the same as the argument.
- society
- knowledge
- change
FAQ
What does it mean?
The philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point is to change it. Thesis 11 is a note, published later by Engels, and it criticises a contemplative stance, not thinking as such. The earlier theses are full of argument about materialism and practice. A rival reading says the line became a permission slip for people who were tired of argument: change first, and call the demand for reasons a delay. He wanted a materialism that includes sensuous human activity. He did not write a ban on interpretation.
Did Karl Marx really say this?
Paraphrase or translation. Thesis 11, standard English of Marx's German. The theses were notes, published later by Engels. The line is his, and it is a critique of a philosophical stance, not a ban on thinking.
Which work is it in?
Theses on Feuerbach, thesis 11 Approximate date: 1845.