"No es la conciencia de los hombres la que determina su ser, sino su ser social el que determina su conciencia."
— Karl Marx
Simplified Meaning:
People's thoughts and ideas are shaped by the society they live in, not the other way around. Imagine growing up in a small village where everyone works on farms. You would likely believe that farming is the most important job because that's what you see around you. If you moved to a big city where most people work in offices, your view might change, and you would start to think that having an office job is better. This shift shows that what we think and believe is influenced by our environment and the people we interact with. To apply this to your life, be aware that your opinions and beliefs may be shaped by your surroundings. It's important to sometimes step back and consider other perspectives, especially if you encounter people from different backgrounds.