Karl Marx
1818–1883 · German (lived in London) · 19th Century
Known for: Wrote the Communist Manifesto, predicted capitalism's collapse, and blamed his boils on the bourgeoisie
Intellectually brilliant, personally difficult, and chronically poor. He was combative and intolerant of disagreement, alienating everyone except Engels, who supported him financially for decades.
He spent years in the British Museum researching Das Kapital. A loving father (three children died in poverty) and heavy drinker. His analysis of capitalism reshaped the 20th century.
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