Eric Hobsbawm, who died on October 1 at the age of 95 was a great historian and advocate of social justice. His historical writings argued that class conflict as a driving force of historical change. As a Marxist, Hobsbawm also saw capitalism as a social system and his writing has always been crucial sources to the society well. In his influential books; 'The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848', 'The Age of Capital: 1848- 1875', 'The Age of Empire: 1875- 1914' and 'The Age of Extremes: 1914- 1991' chronicle world history from the beginning of the French Revolution to the end of the Soviet Union which offers a great picture in understanding the historical framework of social system.
He argued that capitalism is a global system which should be analysed and studied in a global context. His writings remain the starting point in understanding and analysing a comprehensive history of the modern world. He was well connecting the local into the global political and economic frameworks.
Hobsbawm 's final book, How to Change the World, was published when he was at the age of 94. His writings have always inspired me because they are offering an essential historical background to understanding the modern world.