Lafargue, Paul

(1841–1911)

   Described by Vladimir Ilich Lenin as “one of the most important and profound propagators of Marxist ideas.” He also has a place in the history of Marxism as husband of Karl Marx’s second daughter Laura. Lafargue was born in Cuba but moved to France where he studied medicine and became actively involved in radical politics, including membership of the Bordeaux Commune and the First International. In 1882 he helped form the Marxist Parti Ouvrier Français, and from 1891 to 1898 he was parliamentary deputy for Lille. He ended his life in 1911 by committing suicide with his wife, both fearing the onset of senility. His Marxism was theoretically unsophisticated and marked by its mechanical materialism. He was an ardent rationalist and anti-cleric, rejecting all notions of free will and religion. His writings and activities show an interest in women’s rights, economics, imperialism and anthropology.