аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

Exploring the Legacy and Last Days of Karl Marx

As a radical political thinker and socialist revolutionary, Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, historian, and journalist. Marx co-authored “The Communist Manifesto,” the founding document of communism, in 1848 with fellow theorist and benefactor Friedrich Engels. His writings continue to be studied and debated worldwide, and they have affected political movements and governments throughout history, especially in the 20th century.

Marx, born on May 5th, 1818 in Trier, Germany, spent his whole life trying to understand the social, political, and economic factors that define human civilization. Let’s explore his legacy and his last days as Karl Marx.

1. He faced severe health challenges

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In his later years, Karl Marx experienced significant health issues. He suffered from chronic bronchitis, liver issues and had migraines. His deteriorating health resulted in lower productivity which also immobilised him.

Even though he struggled with his health he managed to continue his academic pursuits because he was passionate about improving the society. However, his failing health added a new layer of difficulty to his already challenging life, and this affected his revolutionary efforts. 

2. His finances were not always in order

Karl Marx and his family struggled with money all throughout his life. You’d think that because of his fame, he had a lot of money but what many people are not aware of is the fact that he lived off his friend, Friedrich Engel was a close friend to Marx and his family.

His life was not flashy and he lived in poverty due to his revolutionary actions and commitment to intellectual pursuits. This was a sacrifice that he chose to make because he decided to commit himself to his studies and writing. 

3. Karl Marx ended up living in London for the rest of his life 

Karl Marx wasn’t an exact favourite for all which is why he was driven out of different countries because of his political activities. He ended up living in London, England for the last few years of his life. Marx was able to keep up with his studies, writing and political activism from his London home even while he went through financial challenges, it meant that he had to put up with subpar living conditions. 

4. He died before he could publish his book about the political economy

The fundamental study of political economy by Karl Marx, “Das Kapital,” was still unfinished when he passed away. The first volume, which Marx tirelessly researched for years and wrote in 1867, was the result. Yet he was unable to complete the final volumes as planned because of his failing health and other obligations.

His friend Friedrich Engels was tasked with editing and assembling Marx’s detailed notes and manuscripts to complete the following volumes after Marx’s passing. Engels later released the second and third volumes of “Das Kapital” in order to make Marx’s revolutionary opposition to capitalism available to future generations.

5. His burial took place at the Highgate Cemetry in London

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The last goodbye to the revolutionary thinker was said at Marx’s funeral, which was held on March 17, 1883, at Highgate Cemetery in London. A small group of mourners, which included family members, friends, other activists, and intellectuals, showed up for the funeral. In his eulogy at the gravesite, Marx’s close friend and coworker Friedrich Engels emphasised the importance of his work and his lifetime commitment to the cause of social transformation.

6. Marx’s tombstone has a famous phrase from “The Communist Manifesto”

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Marx’s grave is engraved with the well-known phrase “Workers of All Countries Unite,” which serves as a powerful reminder of his dedication to the goal of universal solidarity and revolutionary transformation.

The Communist Manifesto, co-written by Marx and Engels, includes a sentence that perfectly captures the main message of their writing: the need for the working class to come together across national lines and overturn the oppressive capitalist institutions. Marx’s gravestone inscription stands for both the ongoing fight for social justice and equality as well as his historical legacy.

7. Marx left a modest inheritance to his children 

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Eleanor and Laura Marx received a modest inheritance from their father after his passing. Marx managed to leave behind unpublished writings and papers as part of his legacy despite facing financial difficulties for much of his life.

The family had passed down these books, which had great academic worth. In order to preserve Marx’s significant writings and ideas for future generations, they were eventually presented to the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam.

His arguments challenge accepted thinking and stir debate in the fields of economics, sociology, and political philosophy. Marx’s criticism of capitalism, the class struggle, and the oppressive nature of economic systems have generated social movements and influenced laws aimed to fight injustice and advancing workers’ rights.

His emphasis on the importance of social transformation and his criticism of the current power structures are convincing to activists and scholars who struggle to create a more just and equal world.