The realization of the product in capitalist society (and, consequently, the realization of surplus value) cannot be explained unless we understand that: the value of the social product, like that of the individual product, is divided into three parts and not into two (constant capital variable capital surplus value, and not only into variable capital surplus value, as Adam Smith and the whole of subsequent political economy prior to Marx taught) and that in its natural form it should be divided into two main subdivisions: means of production (consumed productively) and articles of consumption (for personal consumption).