| This question <652|666> overall <662|666> JohnGalt: <631|71>. |
| Question 717: What does Marx use the metaphor of a golden chain for? Why does he say the chain has become heavier? |
| [664] JohnGalt: A chain is still a chain. The “golden chain” metaphor that Marx utilizes indicates that he perceives the status of the laborer as unchanging in quality. He began as an individual exploited by capitalism and will end in the same condition, no matter how much better he is treated. |
| The chain, whether golden or made of some less lustrous ore, is the force that binds and constrains the laborer. A chain is still a chain, no matter what metal it is made from, and it has only one purpose: to bind. |
| The chain made of gold, however is superb symbolism. It recognizes the increased capacity for consumption and accumulation for the worker-slave as capital continues to expand and increase. The gold symbolizes the rise in the quantity of goods that the worker can consume and the appearance of wealth. But the quality of that status is the same. The worker remains chained, completely dependent on the capitalist who controls the means of production. He is still a slave and always will be if the social relations remain the same. |
| It is of great consequence that Marx chose gold, the brilliant, but exceptionally heavy metal to describe this chain. The golden chain may symbolize a more opulent state of slavery, but to maintain that level of “luxury” the slave must be even more oppressively burdened. This burden comes in the form of exploitation of the worker's labor and of his consumption possibilities which are also determined by the capitalist class. Thus, the worker literally fashions this chain for himself. All the while he is told that he is creating a better and more prosperous life for himself. Instead, he is becoming more indebted and binding himself more tightly. |
| The laws of society do not protect the worker from this condition, instead they promote this. This is not what is taught in schools but it is the truth. Laws are created to protect existing social relationships and property rights. This benefits those in power and ensures that they retain their elevated positions. |
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