Who said “Philosophy stands in the same relation to the study of the actual world as masturbation…”?

Verified

Karl Marx. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe German Ideology (1845-1846)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The German Ideology (1845-1846).

APA

Marx, K. (n.d.). Philosophy stands in the same relation to the study of the actual world as masturbation to sexual love. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29236-philosophy-stands-in-the-same-relation-to-the/

MLA

Marx, Karl. “Philosophy stands in the same relation to the study of the actual world as masturbation to sexual love.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29236-philosophy-stands-in-the-same-relation-to-the/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Marx, Karl. “Philosophy stands in the same relation to the study of the actual world as masturbation to sexual love.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29236-philosophy-stands-in-the-same-relation-to-the/.