If therefore my work is negative, irreligious, atheistic, let it be remembered that atheism -- at least in the sense of this work -- is the secret of religion itself; that religion itself, not indeed on the surface, but fundamentally, not in intention or according to its own supposition, but in its heart, in its essence, believes in nothing else than the truth and divinity of human nature.

Summary

This quote by Karl Marx argues that his work, though perceived as negative, irreligious, and atheistic, actually delves into the essence of religion itself. Marx asserts that atheism, in the context of his work, reveals the hidden truth within religion - that it ultimately centers around the belief in the inherent truth and divinity of human nature. In other words, though Marx criticizes religion, he suggests that it unknowingly emphasizes the value and potential of humanity, even if this might contradict its own professed beliefs.

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