Meaning: The quote "Without doubt, machinery has greatly increased the number of well-to-do idlers" is attributed to the philosopher Karl Marx. This statement reflects Marx's critique of the capitalist mode of production and its impact on society. In order to understand the meaning and significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the socio-economic context in which Marx formulated his ideas and explore the implications of machinery on the distribution of wealth and the structure of labor.

Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher, economist, and social theorist who is best known for his critical analysis of capitalism. In his seminal work "Das Kapital" and other writings, Marx examined the dynamics of capitalist economies and the social relations that underpin them. Central to Marx's critique of capitalism is the concept of alienated labor, which refers to the separation of workers from the products of their labor and the exploitation inherent in the capitalist mode of production.

The quote in question points to Marx's observation that machinery, while leading to increased productivity and efficiency, has also resulted in the enrichment of a class of individuals who benefit from the labor of others without contributing to production themselves. The term "well-to-do idlers" suggests that these individuals have achieved financial comfort or affluence without engaging in productive work, relying instead on the labor of others and the mechanisms of the capitalist system.

Marx's analysis of machinery and its effects on society can be contextualized within his broader theory of capitalism. He argued that the introduction of machinery and technology in the production process leads to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a capitalist class, while simultaneously displacing and disempowering the working class. As the means of production become increasingly centralized and controlled by a few, the majority of workers find themselves relegated to the status of wage laborers, subject to exploitation and alienation.

The rise of "well-to-do idlers" can be understood as a manifestation of the unequal distribution of wealth and the perpetuation of class divisions within capitalist societies. While technological advancements have the potential to improve living standards and facilitate the production of goods and services, Marx's critique highlights the inherent contradictions of a system that allows for the accumulation of wealth and privilege by a minority at the expense of the laboring masses.

Furthermore, the quote underscores Marx's concern with the social and moral implications of a society in which a privileged few can enjoy material comfort and leisure while others toil to sustain their wealth. It speaks to the fundamental injustice and imbalance of power that Marx sought to expose and challenge through his critical analysis of capitalism.

In conclusion, the quote "Without doubt, machinery has greatly increased the number of well-to-do idlers" encapsulates Karl Marx's perspective on the impact of technological progress within a capitalist framework. It serves as a poignant reminder of the socioeconomic inequalities and exploitative dynamics that Marx sought to illuminate and critique in his examination of modern industrial society. By delving into the context and implications of this quote, we gain insight into Marx's critique of capitalism and its enduring relevance in understanding the dynamics of wealth, labor, and power in contemporary society.