Means of production

Something in Marx's writing that intrigued me was his position on what separated humans from animals. The idea that resided within most is that it is our intellect, or our soul that truly distinguishes man from beast. Marx clearly takes his stand, opposing this theory by stating that it is actually man's ability to produce for himself rather than intellect or consciousness. What I find most intriguing about this is that he almost totally rejects the importance of consciousness altogether. In my mind, there is no way to reject thought entirely. I do not rule out Marx's theory of what separates man, none the less, I can not accept his rejection of thought.