Remembering a hero

Visitors view pictures of Marx, among others, at the same exhibition that provides a comprehensive look at the life and work of the German philosopher at the National Museum of China. [Photo by Chen Fenglin/For China Daily]

As events are being held to mark the bicentenary of Karl Marx's birth, The Power of Truth, an exhibition in Beijing, looks at various facets of his life. Lin Qi reports.

Could a high school student's paper be an insightful one? In 1835, teachers at the Trier High School, in then Kingdom of Prussia (now Germany), received such a piece from one of the graduates-to-be.

In this graduation composition titled Youths' Considerations in Choosing Occupations, the writer expressed an ambition for a job serving the people.

He said if one chose a lofty career seeking the best for mankind, then, he would not be overwhelmed with heavy responsibilities, as he was making a sacrifice for the benefit of all people.

The composition earned its author, a precocious schoolboy named Karl Marx (1818-83), good remarks from the examiner who said his composition was "rich in ideas, showing a deep understanding of things".

It proves, after nearly 200 years, that Marx was not trading words for high marks, as he truly lived up to his high expectations for a fruitful life.

In his prime, he was considered an important philosopher, political theorist and revolutionary socialist.

His thoughts on communism have been put to practice around the world, and became the foundation of several communist states in the 20th century.

His name evolved to be an expression of a theory (Marxism).

Now, celebratory events are being held to mark the bicentenary of Marx's birth, especially in China where he is highly regarded.