"A commodity appears at first sight an extremely obvious, trivial thing. But its analysis brings out that it is a very strange thing, abounding in metaphysical subtleties and theological niceties"

Karl Marx is indicating that commodities might initially seem easy and unremarkable, however upon closer evaluation, they reveal intricacies connected with abstract and intellectual concepts such as metaphysics and faith. Marx is most likely indicating that the intrinsic value of a product is not simply its physical nature or effectiveness, however is instead constructed through socio-economic and cultural factors.