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Katherine Martin

Instructor German L Lopez

Business 1050

6 December 2017

From Dark to Light

Why do some of us spend our lives feeling alientated from all those around us? Are there

hidden forces that make us feel this way, or are we simply wired to feel this alienation? These are

questions that arouse throughout this semester, especially while reading Alienated Labor by

Karl Marx.

At the beginning of this journey it was hard to see how these readings could apply to

business. They were mostly dealing with philosophy, history of trade, or the plight of the everyday

working class. Feeling discouraged that the wrong choice had been made in picking this course,

and feeling annoyed that religion was being blamed for a lot, it was amazing to read Marxs

writings, and actually being able to agree with his points. Knowing that Marx was a Communist,

it was hard to keep past prejudice regarding communism from interfering with the reading.

Reading through the article a line stood out that really struck a chord, man (the worker) only feels

himself freely active in his animal functions eating, drinking, procreating.

All of a sudden, the reading became more interesting. This was something that was

relatable. These feeling were felt in a past job, and it confirmed that maybe others felt the same

way. Placing aside all prejudice, the article was reread from the beginning with a new perspective.

Understanding the authors background and learning about the working conditions in that time
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period helped better understand Marx and his beliefs. Alienation is a byproduct of needing to work,

as opposed to working for ones own satisfaction. Around the world there are many people who

do not have a choice in their chosen job, they have responsibilities, and bills to pay that require

money. By taking these jobs, they do not see that they are harming themselves, and separating

their human side from their animal side. They become numb to what makes them different from

animals, and become slaves to their jobs. The more that business owners want to succeed, the more

their employees will suffer. As a business becomes more successful, it may be able to pay

employees higher wages, but at what cost to the worker? It is a vicious cycle that one cannot exist

without the other, The downfall of the one must therefore involve the downfall of the other, as

stated by Marx.

By discovering why alienation was being felt at a previous job, it was easier to come to

terms with decisions that were made to leave such an unhappy situation. Knowing that one has the

right to be happy, and being able to come to terms with making some sacrifices, can lead to a

happier situation that will allow one to stay whole. Businesses cannot succeed if they cannot find

solutions to their employees unhappiness. This is why critical thinking is so important. It requires

seeing the world with an unbiased attitude as well as questioning why things occur, and how a

solution can be obtained.

Seeing the difference of reading an article with an unbiased attitude really opened a world

of opportunities regarding the class. It all clicked at that moment, realizing that critical thinking

can only be achieved when there is no bias. All the readings became relevant, and it was easy to

see why they were chosen for a business class. Without knowing all sides of a problem, it is hard

to understand why business owners make certain decisions. One needs to first know the history of

how business came to be, understand the plight of workers around the world, and why people think
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the way they do. When these ideas are explored unbiased, then solutions can start to be found that

will help all involved.

Our goal in the business world is to strive to continually improve the situation of the

workers and the business owners. As the two need each other in order to succeed. We need to look

to the past, in order to remember how it all started, and to ensure that same mistakes are not

repeated. We need to question the world around us, and try to see ideas from other points of view.

One cannot live in a bubble and expect that their ways of thinking are the only ways that are

correct.

Through the readings, greater knowledge was gained about business, and how it involves

all of us. It was very satisfying to see how writings from hundreds of years ago could still be so

relevant today. It was shocking to come to terms with how others view religion, but at the same

time it showed my own bias of others beliefs. Being able to see ideas in a new light will be very

beneficial, and will enable the continued growth of knowledge. As one cannot stop learning if they

wish to continue to improve themselves in order to be better equipped to help others around the

world.