This phrase, often attributed to Karl Marx, means that a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and overall “consciousness” are not the primary factor shaping their life, but rather their social circumstances, like their economic status and social class, are what fundamentally determine their perspective and worldview; essentially, “how you live shapes how you think” rather than the other way around. 

Key points about this statement: 

• Materialism: This idea is central to Marxist theory, which emphasizes the role of material conditions (like your job and access to resources) in shaping your consciousness. 
• Social context: Your social position within society, including your class, significantly influences your understanding of the world. 
• Not just individual thoughts: This statement critiques the idea that individual thoughts and beliefs are the sole driver of human behavior, suggesting that broader social forces play a larger role.

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The demand to give up the illusions about its condition is the demand to give up a condition that needs illusions.