Meaning: The quote by Karl Marx reflects his critique of the capitalist society, emphasizing the power dynamics and alienation that exist within it. Let's break down the quote to understand its significance and explore the context in which it was written.

Marx's statement "In bourgeois society capital is independent and has individuality, while the living person is dependent and has no individuality" highlights the unequal relationship between capital and the individuals within a capitalist society. The term "bourgeois society" refers to a social order characterized by private property, capitalism, and the dominance of the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class.

Marx's use of the term "capital" refers to the means of production, including factories, machinery, and other resources used to produce goods and services. In capitalist societies, these means of production are owned and controlled by the capitalist class, enabling them to accumulate wealth and exert significant influence over the economy and society at large. Capital, in this context, is independent and possesses individuality, as it operates as a powerful force with its own interests and agency.

On the other hand, Marx points out that the "living person" within bourgeois society is depicted as dependent and lacking individuality. This characterization reflects Marx's critique of the alienation experienced by the working class within a capitalist system. The laborers, or the "living persons," are dependent on selling their labor power to the capitalist class in order to earn a living. However, in this process, they are stripped of their individuality and autonomy, reduced to mere cogs in the capitalist machine.

Marx's concept of alienation encompasses the loss of control over one's labor, the estrangement from the products of one's work, and the disconnection from one's true human essence. As a result, the "living person" becomes a mere instrument of production, devoid of individuality and agency, while the capitalist system perpetuates and prioritizes the interests of capital.

The quote encapsulates Marx's broader critique of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, where the pursuit of profit and the accumulation of capital take precedence over the well-being and individuality of the workers. It reflects Marx's analysis of the inherent contradictions and inequalities embedded within capitalist societies, where the exploitation of labor and the concentration of wealth lead to the alienation and disempowerment of the working class.

Marx's ideas on capitalism and its impact on individuality and autonomy have had a profound influence on social and political thought. His critique of bourgeois society continues to be a subject of debate and analysis, particularly in the context of contemporary economic and social relations.

In conclusion, Karl Marx's quote underscores the unequal power dynamics and alienation inherent in capitalist societies, shedding light on the contrasting status of capital and the living person. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Marx's critique of capitalism and its implications for individuality, dependency, and social relations.