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Unit-7: Karl Marx : Intellectual Background

and1894 approximately. ‘Capital’ is a great gift of Marx. In the words of Lenin : “This text is the main notes
fundamental writing, in which a definition of scientific socialism is given.” Contained in this book are
the theories of historical duties of the proletariat, socialist revolution and deep philosophy related to
and described from the viewpoint of economics about the rule of the Proletariat.

Notes According to the belief of Stepanova, “This great text of Marx, ‘Das Kapital’ is
a powerful theoretical weapon in the proletariats’ struggle against the slavery
imposed by Capitalism.”

Because of these many qualities, that the ‘capital’ is considered the bible of the socialists.
In the letters Marx wrote in the later part of his life, reflect an obvious hope of future revolution. He
had predicted the Russian Revolution would be quick turning point in flow of world history.
Marx’s strong physique was ultimately weakened by hard mental labour, continuous poverty. His
wife died on 2 December, 1881. This was a great shock to him and his health deteriorated further.
nd
There was inflammation in his lungs and chronic coughing. He went to southern France and Algeria
for treatment, but without any gain. During this time, he received another shock, when his eldest
daughter, Jenny died. In 1883 there was another attack on him of the old malady of coughing, due
to which complications arose. The state of his health worsened, and he said good bye to this world
in 14 March 1883.
th
Engels send letters all over the world, and informed his friends and followers of the great harm done
to the cause of international revolutionary movement by this sad event. He wrote, “The greatest mind
of our party has stopped thinking; today a determined heart has stopped beating, something that I
have never seen or heard before.”
Marx was buried on 17 March, 1883 in Highgate Cemetery in London. Engels gave a heart touching
th
speech next to his grave. In this speech, he gave a true and evident description of this founder of
scientific communism, of the great attempts by this leader for the benefit of the working–classes;
for all labourers, for the exploited for the objective of the upliftment of the proletariat, his contumal
mental, and ideological struggle his sacrifices, Engles presented on eye–witnessed realistic picture –
and finished his speech with this declared prediction, “His name will be remembered for ages, and
his deeds will be immortalized.”

7.2 summary

y Marx because of his revolutionary thinking was acceptable by the system.
y He stuck to his ideological beliefs to the end.
y Marx, who gave the slogan, “Workers of the world, unite,” saw a vision of a revolution, in
which there was no class system.
y Marx dearest friend was Engels, who supported him to the very end.

7.3 Keywords

1. Dialectical materialism : Dialectical indicates a reaction, according to which creation/nature
develops and changes. Materialism denotes creation/nature’s original element/principle.

LoVeLY professionaL uniVersitY 35