Soortenzijn

Soortenzijn is a Dutch term that translates to "species being" or "kind of being." It is a concept primarily associated with the philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Soortenzijn refers to the fundamental nature of human existence, emphasizing humanity's capacity for conscious, creative, and social activity. It is the essence of what it means to be human, distinct from other species due to our ability to shape our environment and ourselves through our labor and social interactions.

In Marxist thought, soortenzijn is seen as being realized through free and conscious activity, particularly through productive labor. When individuals engage in work that is fulfilling and allows for self-expression, they are actualizing their kind of being. However, under capitalist modes of production, Marx argued that workers experience alienation. This alienation separates them from the products of their labor, the process of labor, their fellow workers, and their own human potential, thus hindering the full realization of their soortenzijn.

The concept suggests that human beings are fundamentally social creatures whose essence is developed through collective life and the transformation of the world. It highlights the potential for human flourishing and self-realization when individuals are free from exploitation and can engage in activities that are meaningful and contribute to the common good. The concept remains a significant point of discussion in understanding Marx's views on human nature, labor, and the goals of a communist society.