"To be sure animals also produce. They build themselves nests, dwelling places, like the bees, beavers, ants, etc. But the animal produces only what is immediately necessary for itself or its young...The animal only produces itself while man reproduces the whole of nature. The animal's product belongs immediately to its physical body while man is free when he confronts his product. The animal belongs while man knows how to produce according to the standard of any species and at all times knows how to apply an intrinsic standard to the object. Thus man creates also according to the laws of beauty" (64). (from Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts)

The idea that man is the only materialistic animal is a common theme in Marx's works. In The German Ideology Marx says, "The first historical act of these individuals, the act by which they distinguish themselves from animals is not the fact that they think but the fact that they begin to produce their means of subsistence" (107).

Marx puts such emphasis on the materialistic aspect of man. While philosophers usually place emphasis on man's ability to think and form relationships, Marx is an economist. He sees man as a consumer. What is also interesting to me is the fact that Marx identifies the importance humans place on beauty. This reminds me of Abby's comment in class today. Sometimes, money-value isn't the most important thing when determining the worth of commodities. Some people believe higher priced commodities give them a higher status. Others just want a "pretty pair of shoes" no matter what the price is, just because pretty shoes make them feel more confident.