# Theses on Feuerbach

> essay by Karl Marx

**Wikidata**: [Q623153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q623153)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theses_on_Feuerbach)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theses-on-feuerbach

## Summary
Theses on Feuerbach is an essay written by Karl Marx in 1845 that presents eleven philosophical theses critiquing the materialist philosophy of Ludwig Feuerbach. It is best known for its eleventh thesis: "Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it." The work marks a pivotal moment in Marx's development of historical materialism and his break from idealist philosophy.

## Key Facts
- Written by Karl Marx in 1845
- Contains eleven philosophical theses critiquing Ludwig Feuerbach's materialism
- The eleventh thesis states: "Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it"
- Published posthumously as part of Marx's collected works
- Considered a foundational text in Marxist philosophy and historical materialism
- Classified as both a literary work and an essay
- Has 32 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects
- Wikipedia title is "Theses on Feuerbach"

## FAQs
What is the main argument of Theses on Feuerbach?
The main argument critiques Feuerbach's materialism for being contemplative rather than revolutionary, arguing that philosophy must move from interpreting the world to changing it through practical activity.

Who wrote Theses on Feuerbach?
Karl Marx wrote Theses on Feuerbach in 1845 as part of his philosophical development and break from Hegelian idealism.

Why is the eleventh thesis famous?
The eleventh thesis is famous because it encapsulates Marx's revolutionary philosophy: "Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it," emphasizing practical action over mere interpretation.

When was Theses on Feuerbach published?
Theses on Feuerbach was written in 1845 but published posthumously as part of Marx's collected works, as Marx never published the theses during his lifetime.

## Why It Matters
Theses on Feuerbach represents a crucial turning point in philosophical thought, marking Marx's definitive break from idealist philosophy and his development of historical materialism. The work bridges philosophy and revolutionary practice, arguing that ideas alone are insufficient without practical action to transform society. Its influence extends far beyond philosophy into political movements, social theory, and revolutionary praxis worldwide. The eleventh thesis has become one of the most quoted statements in political philosophy, encapsulating the revolutionary imperative that distinguishes Marxist thought from purely academic philosophy.

## Notable For
- Contains one of the most famous philosophical statements in history (the eleventh thesis)
- Marks Marx's definitive break from Feuerbachian materialism
- Establishes the philosophical foundation for historical materialism
- Bridges theoretical philosophy with revolutionary practice
- Has influenced political movements and social theory for over 175 years
- Represents a concise yet comprehensive critique of contemporary materialist philosophy

## Body
### Historical Context and Development
Theses on Feuerbach was written in 1845 during Marx's period of intense philosophical development in Brussels, where he had moved after being expelled from France. This work emerged from Marx's critical engagement with the Young Hegelians and his evolving critique of idealist philosophy. The theses were written as private notes, never intended for publication during Marx's lifetime, reflecting his ongoing intellectual development and his break from the philosophical framework of Ludwig Feuerbach.

### Philosophical Content and Structure
The work consists of eleven concise theses that systematically critique Feuerbach's materialist philosophy. Marx argues that Feuerbach's materialism, while correctly emphasizing the material basis of human existence, remains contemplative and fails to recognize the active, transformative role of human practice. The theses develop Marx's concept of praxis - the unity of theory and practice - and lay the groundwork for his later development of historical materialism.

### The Eleventh Thesis and Its Significance
The eleventh thesis, "Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it," has become the most famous statement from the work. This thesis encapsulates Marx's revolutionary philosophy, arguing that philosophy must move beyond mere interpretation to active transformation of social conditions. The statement has been widely quoted, debated, and interpreted across various political and philosophical traditions.

### Relationship to Marxist Theory
Theses on Feuerbach serves as a foundational text for Marxist philosophy, establishing key concepts that would be developed in Marx's later works. The emphasis on praxis, the critique of contemplative materialism, and the argument for revolutionary practice all become central to Marxist theory. The work represents Marx's transition from philosophical critique to revolutionary theory, setting the stage for his later economic and political writings.

### Publication History
Although written in 1845, Marx never published the Theses on Feuerbach during his lifetime. They were first published posthumously in 1888 by Friedrich Engels in his edition of Ludwig Feuerbach and the End of Classical German Philosophy. Since then, the work has been widely reprinted and translated, becoming one of Marx's most accessible and influential texts.

### Influence and Legacy
The influence of Theses on Feuerbach extends far beyond academic philosophy into political movements, social theory, and revolutionary praxis worldwide. The work has been particularly influential in Marxist, socialist, and communist movements, providing a philosophical justification for revolutionary action. Its emphasis on the unity of theory and practice continues to influence contemporary discussions in philosophy, political theory, and social movements.

### Classification and Reception
The work is classified both as a literary work and as an essay, reflecting its philosophical nature and its place in the broader tradition of philosophical writing. With 32 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects and significant presence on Wikipedia, Theses on Feuerbach remains one of Marx's most accessible and widely discussed works. Its concise format and powerful arguments have made it a staple of political philosophy curricula and revolutionary movements alike.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013