Marx sought to change society not just interpret it

Dear Editor,

It was the German philosopher Karl Marx who famously wrote that “Philosophers have interpreted the world in various ways; the point however is to change it.”

This is indeed a profound statement which places emphasis on the need to transform existing reality to one that is more enlightened and humane. Marx lived and wrote during the early stages of the industrial revolution when the degree of exploitation of the working class was much more intense.

His passionate and revolutionary advocacy to bring an end to the exploitative system of capitalism resonated with millions of people way down the corridors of time and continues to influence and shape the thinking of a critical mass of humanity throughout the world.

Perhaps his most important contribution was in the field of political economy as embodied in his voluminous work Das Kapital which was written some 150 years ago. Several celebratory activities are being held this year by labour-oriented parties and organizations in observance of this historic milestone.

Regardless of how he is perceived, Marx remains one of the most profound thinkers and, indeed, one of the most prolific writers of all times; someone who not only sought to interpret reality but even more importantly to change society to one that is more humane and less exploitative.

Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally