In the Communist Manifesto (published in 1848), the authors (Marx and Engels) declare that in the modern era, “All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life, and his relations with his kind.” 

Based on your reading, explain why from its beginning, modern life was seen as both emancipating and a cause of insecurity and anxiety. You might also want to indicate in what ways this remains true today.  Your response should demonstrate an honest attempt to engage and understand the text. Do a close reading. Do some research on Wikipedia to understand the circumstances under which this text was written. 1848 is a year of major upheavals in Europe.

Note both what you understand and don’t understand. You are not expected to agree with what you read, only to make an attempt to digest it.  Feel free to include in your response questions you want the instructor to address.