Karl Marx’s quote “Religion is the opium of the people” is often interpreted as a critique of the role of religion in society: it can soothe pain and uncertainty, while also diverting attention from the real causes of suffering. Today, it can serve as a starting point for discussing faith, ideologies, power, and social justice. For some, it is a warning against manipulation; for others, a reminder that people seek comfort and meaning even in difficult times. With this quote, Karl Marx raises the question of what gives us hope—and what, on the other hand, lulls us to sleep.