essence of man, n.Definitions

The Essence of man (n.) cannot ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠be found by crowning his commonest activity; no particular case becomes a foundation however often it occurs.

The Essence of man (n.) the ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠philosophers' name for the sum of productive forces, capital and forms of intercourse each generation finds already lying there — which they deified and attacked without disturbing it at all.