Marx, Karl (1818–1883)

KARL MARX IS ARGUABLY one of the most influential persons of the modern historical era. Few other persons than Marx have had such a profound impact on the thought and actions of people, particularly national governments. It is with social philosophy and social theories that Marx has had his greatest effect, and even in the 21st century, he is still very much a champion of the political left and a source of derision for the political right.

Born in Trier, Germany, into a Jewish family headed by lawyer Hershel Marx (later renamed Heinrich Marx due to anti-Semitism), Marx was locally educated and was noted at his school for being a student of excellence. [Page 302]His senior school thesis, for example, entitled “Religion: The Glue That Binds ...