“Religion is the opium of the masses.”

Simplified Meaning:

Karl Marx, who said this, was trying to point out that religion helps people cope with difficult times and makes them feel better, just like a drug can. He believed that while religion offers comfort, it can also stop people from realizing and fighting against the unfair things happening in their lives. For example, if people are unhappy with their poor working conditions but are told by their religion to accept their suffering for a better life in heaven, they might not try to change their situation. Marx saw this as a way for those in power to keep control over people. Applying this idea, if someone faces a problem, it's good to rely on their beliefs for comfort, but they should also take real steps to address and improve their situation. By combining faith with action, one can find both inner peace and practical solutions.