What have been stressed so far in this study are those qualities which all men have in common, while the qualities which distinguish different classes of men and bring them into conflict with one another have been underplayed. Before recounting the alienation (both common and unique) of workers and capitalists, the basis for such differences as exist between them must be clarified. Furthermore, the status of exceptions in Marxism, of men who do not share or only minimally share the fate of their class, requires attention before this fate itself is examined. Otherwise the theory of alienation is open to the facile refutation of pointing to instances where it does not apply.

According to Marx, social conditions determine character, both directly, through their effect on the individual's powers and needs, and indirectly, through the creation of interests which he then strives to satisfy; and the conditions under which capitalists and workers live differ significantly. As for the first, every person experiences with the social group to which he belongs how his particular tie to the mode of production and the familial, educational and religious training which that occasions, blocks certain personality developments and allows for and even spurs on others. These conditions fix the state of one's powers and needs, just as they determine the degree to which such needs will find satisfaction.