Karl Marx [1818 - 1883]

 

  - A philosopher, author, social therapist, and economist. A hugely influential revolutionary thinker and philosopher as well. He is famous for his theories about capitalism, socialism, and communism. 

  - His writings served as the foundational framework for the development of contemporary international communism.

   Born: May 5, 1818
  Died: March 14, 1883 

- Writings: 

The Communist Manifesto

Das Kapital

Karl Heinrich Marx, born on 5 May 1818 in Trier in western Germany, was the son of a prosperous Jewish lawyer. While pursuing legal studies in Bonn and Berlin, Marx was exposed to the philosophies of Hegel and Feuerbach. In 1841, he attained a PhD in philosophy from the University of Jena.

Due to his unconventional ideologies, he prevented obtaining a teaching role. As a result, he opted for a career in journalism, he became the editor of the Rheinische Zeitung, a liberal newspaper in Cologne. After a short time as the editor, he moved in with his wife Jenny to Paris for some time where he met his lifelong friend Friedrich Engles.

He was expelled from France, and Marx resided in Brussels for two years, during which his collaboration with Engels grew stronger. Together, they penned the pamphlet 'The Communist Manifesto ' released in 1848, which proclaimed that the entirety of human history had revolved around conflicts between social classes. But it said that these divisions would ultimately diminish through the victory of the proletariat.

In 1849, Marx moved to London where he stayed for the rest of his life. At first, his family struggled with money, but his friend Engels, who was wealthier, started helping them more and more. As time passed, Marx became more active both politically and spiritually. He created his most important work, 'Das Kapital.' The first part of this important book for working people was published while he was alive, but Engels took care of publishing the rest after Marx died.

Karl Marx wasn't feeling well in his last years and became less creative. He went to health resorts to try to feel better. He felt very sad when his wife died in 1881, and one of his daughters also passed away. He died on 14 March 1883 and was buried in Highgate Cemetery in London.

Although Marxism and Marxian economics are not widely embraced in today's mainstream thought, numerous criticisms that Marx raised on capitalism continue to hold significance today.

Written By: Navodi Jayasinghe

References:

• BBC (n.d.). Karl Marx (1818 - 1883). Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk
• Kenton, W. (n.d.). Karl Marx: His Books, Theories, and Impact. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.investopedia.com

Song Credits (Melody & music) to original Owners : Sanjeew Lonliyes