Karl Marx: The Life and Legacy of a Revolutionary Thinker
Early Life and Background Born on May 5, 1818, in Trier, Prussia (modern-day Germany), Karl Marx became the third of nine children in a middle-class family. His parents, Heinrich and Henrietta Marx, were of Jewish descent but converted to Lutheran Christianity. Heinrich Marx was a successful lawyer, and his family's affluence afforded Karl a privileged upbringing, filled with intellectual stimulation and opportunity. From a young age, Marx exhibited a voracious appetite for learning. He attended the University of Bonn in 1835 to study law, following his father’s wishes. However, his time there was marked by more than just academics. Marx's rebellious nature led him into trouble, including a duel and imprisonment for drunken behavior. Seeking a more serious environment, his father transferred him to the University of Berlin. Intellectual Awakening in Berlin In Berlin, Marx's academic focus shifted dramatically. He became deeply engaged in philosophy, particularly drawn to ...