I do have a certain respect for Karl Marx, as it happens. I think that what he meant by opiate was not so much a source of out-of-this world entertainment, but as a relief from their pains and oppressions - so more in the sense of morphine than hallucinogenic. He wasn't as anti-religion as conservatives would have us believe. Although it is also true that religion is part of the power structure of our society, and usually in favour of maintaining the status quo.

Just tiny add to all the insightful comments here: read what Marx says about capitalism as a parasite on the natural resources of the earth.
And by the way, I would like opium better than religion any day.

I would change Marx's statement to "Religion is a vehicle for deluding and controlling people."

I find Marxian analysis to be massively insightful..... historical and dialectical materialism. From the evolution of man and society to our current political, social and economic being .

Good rant. all true

I expected to read a document buy a potential dictator and asshole. I was pleasantly surprised by The Communist Manifesto. I loved The Communist Manifesto for it's rhetoric the economic ideas of Marx.

He should not be blamed for what happened after Marx was finished with his work between parties claiming to follow his work. So much intellect pored out of Marx that led to better economic understanding.

I don't believe in a lot of what Marx called for. Unionizing all workers against employers seems to be a waste when most of the infrastructure to positively effect inequality is available in far more effective ways. A democratic takeover in Washington with a majority in the House and Senate along with President Sanders could bring a needed Progressive Political Revolution.

America would be better for everyone if a Univeral Basic Income of $800 to $900 a month was passed. A rebel billionaire said that GDP would rise by 2.5 trillion by 2020 if a UBI was passed today. This does pay people for doing nothing but $900 isn't a do nothing salary.

Americans would also be better of with Medicare for all. The insurance market is a total failure. I have medical and it is great. I am afraid to work harder because I might lose my medical.

This is not the full quote
' Rigion is the sigh of the oppressed creature
The heart of a heartless world
And the soul of soulless conditions
It is the opium of the people

You'll find that Marx didn't say that ... It's worth reading fully what he actually did write .

I'm not sure that what was meant though, I don't think Addiction theory was really understood in Marx's time, despite the opium dens being used to attack the Chinese* and kept them quiet, complacent, distracted, calm the way opiates dull things down

*(sometimes I wonder if Fentanyl and other drugs like Flacca, bath salts, spice, coming in from China and flooding the West especially the US etc is revenge for that)

It's interesting, Tiberius. Your Gregory House quotation about placebo. I think religion serves a purpose of defense. It's not a very functional defense these days because it does not relieve/protect against anxiety and depression sufficiently. But it has been all we've had through the ages, that and war, and pillage. I think, without looking at the most recent stats, that people are pulling away from religion. It will take time, a lot of time, but maybe we will learn to talk to each other rather than to God.

I agree with you and Karl Marx. I believe that religion allows most people to live their lives without too much anxiety or depression. It's not the most efficient form of defense, in my opinion. But there it is. It's been institutionalized for centuries and trying to take it away from those who depend on it is no small matter. It has never worked for me so when people are saying, pray for me or I'll pray for you, I have nothing to say other than to say, talk to me about what you're feeling. Or let me know when you feel like talking. Because listening to others when they are in pain is the best thing I have found to do to relieve pain.

I see religion as being the way to accept a cow's life. Be properly bred & fed, give milk, and in the end be ground up and eaten by others,

We are basically bad people here, I reckon even our Christians will go to hell, in fact they will probably get preference seeing they are mostly led by pedophiles. Over here we are distracted from things that may upset us or make us think by major (boring as hell) sporting events, reality tv (whatever that is) and ... and ..., well I guess that's it really. I think we live in the age of distraction. If the Gov wants to sink a few boat load of refugees, all they have to do is plan it for Melbourne Cup day or the "footy" grand final and no-one will notice.

My SIL said to me after my nephew was at school during a mass stabbing "It's too bad he's an atheist like you - it will make it harder for him.". And I was just baffled by that?

I know there are bad people in the world. I know bad stuff happens. Telling a made up being about it never would help?

I didn't even know how to respond. Except for saying "Point him in my direction if he needs to speak to an Atheist about it".

Actually reflecting on this and thinking "Did it make it harder for them as parents?". There is no good explanation. Violence happens.