Why is it so difficult for people to
live a more species-life than continue to live an alienated-life? Species-life
is defined in Chapter 13-3a Species-Life
as, “fully human life lived productively and consciously, not alienated.”
Alienated-Life is also outlined in Chapter
13-3a Species-Life as, “ Unconscious, unhappy, unspontaneous, and
unfulfilled life; deprived of fundamental conditions necessary for
self-actualization.” These two descriptions are needed to explain the
difference between the two ways of life.
In a Capitalist
world Alienation is the only way to live. Workers work to provide production
for big companies but do not receive any recognition or gratification for the
hard labor put into the products. Marx articulates the meaning of Capitalism in
Chapter 13-3 titled Critique of
Capitalism as, “an economic system in which the means of production and
distribution are all (or mostly) privately owned and operated for the profits
under fully competitive conditions; tends to be accomplished by concentration
of wealth and growth of great corporations.”
I believe people
continue to live an alienated-life because of the necessities it provides. Even
though we may not like the job we have or maybe even the relationship we are
in, those things provide money, security, and supplies for us so it makes it
feel impossible to change. For example, trying to find a new job is difficult
especially if you want to make enough money to continue to provide for your
family. Additionally, if you are in a
relationship you are no longer interested in but have a child or only your
partner works, it makes it much more difficult to do what makes you happy because
you do not have the means to move on.
I am a full-time
student, a part-time waitress, a wife and a mother to a 2-year-old toddler that
is always keeping me busy. For me personally I live a life that is alienated. I
find myself unhappy with my circumstances. I know there are things in this world
that will make me happier and will be more fulfilling to me however those
things are not practical at the time. I would love to go on vacation or spend
time in a country that is in need of assistance from volunteers, or have a
house keeper/nanny to take care of all of my daily chores while I go to a job
that I truly enjoy but that’s not realistic at the moment. I cannot afford to
quit my dissatisfying job because I have a family to provide for. I cannot go
help and assist others in countries that are neglected because I have classes
to pass and a child to teach. Even though my version of a species-life will
someday to obtainable, right now I have to keep my head up and fight through
the difficult times living an alienated-life because if I don’t my family will
not survive. I think this is exactly why alienation will continue in this
world. No matter how wonderful a specie-life may be, a job is a job no matter
how miserable, and the money earned is needed to feed families and keep a roof
over our heads and that seems much more important for the time being. I work in
a restaurant full of rude managers, degrading coworkers, and nagging customers.
I would love nothing more than to discontinue my association there, however it
provides an income that is required for our wellbeing.
Marx explains in Chapter 13-4a Species-Life by stating, “
If capitalism was destroyed, we would revert to species-life.” I agree with
Marx statement however the leap of faith that is required of people so that
Capitalism and Alienation deteriorates so species-life can thrill is little to non-existent.
Due to the non-negotiable demands that are sadly provided by alienation,
alienated-lives will continue to be endured and the happy species-life will unfortunately
have to stay in the clouds with the rest of our dreams for the moment.
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