Karl Marx

Date of Birth: May 5, 1818

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 14, 1883

Biography

Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary. Born on May 5, 1818, in Trier, Prussia (now Germany), Marx is best known for his works “The Communist Manifesto” (co-authored with Friedrich Engels) and “Das Kapital.” Marx’s theories about society, economics, and politics, collectively understood as Marxism, argue that human societies develop through class struggle. He believed that capitalism, which he saw as a form of economic exploitation, would inevitably give way to socialism and ultimately to a stateless, classless society he called communism. Marx’s ideas have profoundly influenced various academic disciplines, including sociology, political science, economics, and literature. His thoughts laid the foundation for the modern understanding of labor and its relation to capital. Despite facing poverty throughout much of his life, Marx continued to write and advocate for the working class until his death. He died on March 14, 1883, in London, United Kingdom.

5 Interesting Facts about Karl Marx

1. Karl Marx was expelled from several countries due to his revolutionary activities and political views.

2. He spent most of his adult life in London, where he wrote many of his influential works.

3. Marx was heavily influenced by German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, but he developed his own ideas by critiquing Hegelian philosophy.

4. “The Communist Manifesto,” published in 1848, is one of the world’s most influential political documents.

5. Marx’s economic theories laid the groundwork for much of the 20th century’s socio-political landscape, influencing numerous revolutionary movements worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karl Marx

1. “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it.”

2. “Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.”

3. “Religion is the opium of the masses.”

4. “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.”

5. “From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Karl Marx did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. He often struggled financially and relied on the support of friends, particularly Friedrich Engels.

Children

Karl Marx and his wife, Jenny von Westphalen, had seven children, but only three daughters survived to adulthood: 1. Jenny Caroline Marx (1844–1883) 2. Jenny Laura Marx (1845–1911) 3. Jenny Eveline Frances (“Franziska”) Marx (1851–1852) 4. Edgar Marx (1847–1855) 5. Henry Edward Guy (“Guido”) Marx (1849–1850) 6. Jenny Eveline Frances (“Franziska”) Marx (1851–1852) 7. Eleanor Marx (1855–1898)