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Unit-7: Karl Marx : Intellectual Background

examination, Marx entered first Bonn, then Berline University, where he was admitted into the Law notes
Department. He had chosen law as his’ main subject, but he was very interested in Philosophy and
History too.
Karl Marx was very clearly influenced in his thinking by the many important events of his times. The
development of capitalism was the reason that in many nations of Europe, the relationship between the
remaining feudal lords and their serfs had become uneasy. Every–where in a big way, new capitalist
industry was being created and developed. Side by Side the condition of farmers and craftsmen –
artisans was worsening, and a new marginalized prolatariat class was being born. This class was
bereft of all methods of production. At that time, the ordinary people were being grinded between
two mill–stones. On one hand the remnants of feudalism, and on the other unformed capitalism, were
the reasons for their suffering. The effect of these conditions on Marx’s thinking was very clear.
Marx had introduced himself, in his student life, to the writings of Hegel, and had started establishing
relationshp with leftist followers of Hegel. Marx presented his definitive essay in Geneva University,
which was titled – “The difference between the Natural Philosophy of Democrytus and Epicurus.”
From the definitions in this essay, we come to know that, at that time his view, though emotional,
then too he was atheistic and revolutionary conclusions from the Hegel’s philosophy. For example,
Hegel had criticized Epicurus for his hedonism and atheism.
On the coutrary, Marx praised and appreciated the brave struggle of this ancient Greek philosopher
against religion and. Marx received his Doctorate title for this essay in philosophy, in April 1841.
Marx wished to become a profess in Bonn University, but being denied this convenience, he started
working for the ‘Rhine gazette’ (Rhinisch Zaitung) named periodical in 1842 and even became its
editor. Through its columns Marx raised his voice in favour of the welfare of the ordinary population
and the religious and political exploitation of the masses in Germany and Asia. He experienced many
times that the governments in Asia were indifferent and heartless towards the basic necessities of the
masses. On the basis of these facts he arrived at this conclusion that governments, their officials and
laws favoured the well – being of the ruling classes, whom they represented and supported, and not
the welfare of the ordinary population.
‘Marx clashed with the shareholders of the periodical, because of his bold aggressive views, and on
17 May 1843, resigning from the editor’s post, he left Germany for Paris. Before this incident, he had
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married Jenny Von Westkalen. She was his childhood friend, and had been engaged to him since his
student days.
In the 1844 A.D. in August there took place in Paris that historical meeting of Marx and Engels in
which they discovered that their thinking was mostly similar. After this, a creative collaboration
started between these two friends, of which no other example exists in history. Lenin has correctly
stated that, “In the tales of ancient times we come across heart–touching, references of friendship, but
Europes proletariat class can claim that their science was created by two such instructors/teachers
and soldiers, whose relation of reciprocal friendship was examplary. Besides which would pale, the
most heart–warming tales of human friendship of ancient times.

self assessment
fill in the blanks –
1. Marx had introduced himself to the writings of Hegel during his ______ and started increasing
his closeness to the leftist followers of Hegel.
2. It was ______ wish to become a professor at Bonn University.
3. Marx ______ with the sharehoders of the above mentioned periodical because of his aggressive
views, and resigned from the post of the editor on 17 May 1843.
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LoVeLY professionaL uniVersitY 33