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The Morning Star 2026 Conference
What is the ‘metabolic rift’?
The MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY takes a look at how Marxists can explore the relation between capitalism, socialism and the environment

“METABOLIC rift” is a term derived from Marx’s description of the fundamental shift in the relationship between our (human) species and the rest of nature which developed along with class society, especially capitalism.  

“Metabolism” for Marx, signified the whole of nature and its interdependent processes, of which humans were necessarily a part.  

In 1844 he declared: “Humans live from nature, ie: nature is our body, and we must maintain a continuing dialogue with it if we are not to die. 

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