What is Opiate of the Masses?

Question

I have to write an essay about it for sociology.

Answer 1

The quote is "Religion is the opiate of the masses." I think it was Carl Marx who said it.

Answer 2

My sociology teacher says this all the time. Everyone is right by saying that Karl Marx said it. He thinks that religion just makes everyone all happy and almost "high", kind of like a religion is a drug. Here's a quote that I found in my sociology book, this might help.

"Marx wrote his now famous statement that religion is the 'opiate of the masses.' People become complacent because they have been taught to believe in an afterlife in which they will be rewarded for their suffering and misery in this life. Although these religious teachings soothe the masses' distress, and relief is illusory. Religion unites people under a 'false consciousness' that they share common interests with members of the dominant class."

I personally don't agree with that guy, but it'll probably help you with your paper.

Answer 3

An opiate is a drug that diminishes a persons ability to function and act reasonably. An opiate for the masses is drug of society. Although illegal drugs may come to mind at first. Such things as TV and religion have been compared to an opiate of the masses as well.

Answer 4

It's not that religion makes people somehow "high"; it is that religious institutions promise salvation in heaven if one works hard, breeds, and lives an obedient life style. Capitalists prefer docile workers who do not care about adverse working conditions or pay. Religion also offers solace for those who are experiencing hardships in life. Marx contends that in order to deal with the problems associated with capitalism, such as the demand a greater amount of work for fewer dollars (which will put more money in the capitalist's pocket), the proletariat turn to religion to cope. If they become highly involved in religion, they begin to feel as though their woes on earth are only temporary and they will find paradise in heaven. Marx was trying to awaken the proletariat from their unrealistic dreams of salvation and make them acutely aware of injustices on earth created by the capitalists. In other words, religion is a distraction created by people in power (research the history of the power of the church) in order to keep the proletariat blind to injustices in the workplace by capitalists. I suggest that you actually read Karl Marx before you quote any of these answers. The combination of all these answers will indicate that you have not read your material.

Answer 5

it's a really good band....wait..thats Opiate for the Masses...hmm, religion then according to...Marx i believe

Answer 6

Marx said religion was the "opium of the people."

Answer 7

At first it was religion that kept the proletariat in line but I think religion has been replaced by entertainment.

Answer 8

it is still religion.....infotainment is crowding in..but when things get tough, people have to go and cry and hold out there hands and sing along to creed songs

Answer 9

carl marx said it first......................he was talking about religion................as a calming factor for society...........not in a positive way......................