Karl Marx, born on May 5, 1818, was a German philosopher, journalist, political critic, and sociologist who significantly influenced subsequent economic and political ideas. He had such a profound impact that his name is now used to describe a political school of thought — Marxism. His works have had an impact on governments, political parties, economies, professions, laws, and labor groups. Despite being a vocal critic of capitalism, many of his ideas serve as a foundation of people-friendly policies in capitalist societies. Some consider him to be the greatest thinker of all time. We will help you celebrate his special day right here.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Karl Heinrich Marx
Birth date:
May 5, 1818
Death date:
March 14, 1883 (age 64)
Zodiac Sign:
Taurus
Height:
5' 9"
Net Worth:
$36 thousand
Background
Karl Marx is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in economics, political science, philosophy, history, and journalism. He was persecuted and expelled from many countries for his ideas and political activities, but he was unrelenting. He moved around and continued to publish his powerful thoughts. Marx was born on May 5, 1818, in Trier, Prussia (now Germany). His zodiac sign is Taurus, and he was a German Jew. His father was Heinrich Marx, a German Jew, and his mother was Henriette Pressburg, a Dutch Jew.
In 1835, Marx traveled to the University of Bonn to study law, but he transferred to the University of Berlin in his second year. After completing his studies, he began writing fiction and learning English and Italian. He completed his thesis in 1841 and was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Jena. He moved to Cologne in 1842 and took up a job as a journalist at a right-wing newspaper, “Rheinische Zeitung.” The government didn’t like his publications, and Marx was expelled from Germany.
In 1843, Marx married his childhood sweetheart Jenny von Westphalen. The following year, 1844, was significant in Marx’s life, as he moved to France and met with Friedrich Engels, who later became his lifelong friend. However, his publications angered the French government, and they expelled him from France. Between 1845 and 1849, he moved between France, Belgium, and Germany, and eventually settled in London in 1849.
Career timeline
Marx studies law at the University of Bonn but later transfers to the University of Berlin.
Although his doctoral thesis is perceived as controversial by the professors at the University of Berlin, he submits it to the University of Jena and receives a Ph.D.
Marx meets Engels in Paris, France, and the two become inseparable.
Working with Engels, Marx publishes one of the most important political documents just as the European revolutions begin to erupt.
He compiles his thoughts about "political economy" in the first edition of “Das Kapital,” but Engels, his friend, helps publish and refine subsequent editions.
Why We Love Karl Marx
He had a strong belief in his ideas
Marx made an impact on public thinking because he had faith in himself. He was true to himself and was vocal about his thoughts and ideas.
He was a hopeless romantic
He wrote poems to his friend's sister to tell her about his affection for her. We love it when people are vocal about their feelings and emotions.
He was not hypocritical
Free public education and affordable healthcare have their roots in Marxism. All his life, Marx was deeply concerned about the poor, and he wasn't hypocritical about his concerns.
5 Surprising Facts
Marx's never published his poems and novels
While alive, Marx did not publish his poems, novels, and other fictional works; his friend published them after he died.
Poor health plagued Marx
As a youth, he was exempted from military service due to his health limitations, and throughout his life, he suffered health problems.
Marx was stateless
Although he was born in Prussia (Germany), Marx died stateless because he was frequently expelled.
Marx relied on handouts for sustenance
He relied on friends and relatives for financial support.
He was against slavery
He regularly wrote against slavery, believing it was a part of the capitalist establishment.
Karl Marx FAQs
What does Marx say about the rich?
He refers to the rich as the ‘Bourgeoisie’ and thinks they are the oppressive class. Frankly, he expected that workers would destroy them in the worker’s revolution.
Did Karl Marx have a job?
At the time, he was a journalist, and his income came from his work as a European correspondent for the “New York Times.” But Karl was unemployed for most of his adult life.
Was Karl Marx rich or poor?
His family endured extreme poverty. This happened because he committed himself exclusively to his studies instead of working to earn a living.
Karl Marx’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2029 | May 5 | Saturday |
Other Philosopher Birthdays
Voltaire Birthday
This revolutionary thinker poked wounds and healed hearts concurrently, what an art!
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