put the phrase "opium of the masses" in its original context. Religion was the "illusory happiness of the people" for marx. 50 years later, one could say the sa

put the phrase "opium of the masses" in its original context. Religion was the "illusory happiness of the people" for marx. 50 years later, one could say the same about Communism however. People believed in it , it made them feel good, but their belief ended up becoming a facade that masked their misery. I think this extends to politics in general, in particular Statist politics , which promise make the individual as powerful as a State, but usually end up making the State itself powerful by stepping on the individual.