Ferdinand Lassalle

Date of Birth: April 11, 1825

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 31, 1864

Biography

Ferdinand Lassalle was a prominent 19th-century German-Jewish politician, philosopher, and socialist. Born on April 11, 1825, in Breslau, Prussia (now Wrocław, Poland), Lassalle was one of the foundational figures in the early German labor movement. He was well-educated, having studied law and philosophy, and was deeply influenced by Hegelian ideas. Lassalle’s most significant political contribution was the founding of the General German Workers’ Association (ADAV) in 1863, which later evolved into the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He was a charismatic orator and writer, known for his ability to mobilize and inspire the working class. Lassalle advocated for universal suffrage and state intervention in the economy to improve the conditions of the working class. His ideas were seen as a precursor to the welfare state. Lassalle’s life was marked by numerous legal battles and duels, reflecting his combative personality and dedication to his ideals. His life was tragically cut short when he died in a duel on August 31, 1864, in Geneva, Switzerland.

5 Interesting Facts about Ferdinand Lassalle

1. Ferdinand Lassalle founded the General German Workers’ Association (ADAV), the precursor to the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).

2. He was a close friend and correspondent of Karl Marx, although they had ideological disagreements.

3. Lassalle was involved in a high-profile legal case defending Countess Sophie von Hatzfeldt, which brought him significant public attention.

4. He died in a duel at the age of 39, following a dispute over a romantic involvement with Helene von Dönniges.

5. Despite his early death, Lassalle’s ideas significantly influenced the development of socialist and labor movements in Germany and beyond.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ferdinand Lassalle

1. “The working classes ought to liberate themselves from economic oppression and achieve political power.”

2. “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness.”

3. “Man, as a being of action, must always do something.”

4. “The state is not an abstract entity but the sum of the individuals who compose it.”

5. “The capacity for work, the strength, and the dexterity of the laborer are the true sources of wealth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ferdinand Lassalle did not achieve significant personal wealth; his highest net worth was modest, primarily derived from his legal work and speaking engagements.