In Paris, the Italian philosopher, writer and political scientist Toni Negri is reported to be ninety years old, a detail noted by La Repubblica. His life reads like a continuous protest against injustices at work and in society, a trajectory shaped by his early exposure to factory conditions and his eventual exile in France after active opposition to the state apparatus. The period marked a sharp accusation of involvement in the turbulent events surrounding the murder of Aldo Moro, a charge that has lingered as a controversial thread in his public narrative.
From his role as a professor of State Theory at the University of Padua to his political work as a deputy within Marco Pannella’s Radical Party, Negri stayed tethered to social policy and to the idea that political life must engage with the everyday realities of ordinary workers. He is often cited as one of the founders or key voices of the extra-parliamentary left and of workerist strands within Marxism, emphasizing direct action, labor solidarity, and grassroots organization over traditional parliamentary channels.
Known by the moniker “Bad Teacher,” Negri left a lasting imprint on an era that stretched from his homeland to France, where revolutionary ideas found fertile ground. His bibliography includes notable works such as Empire, Pluralism, Commonwealth and Assembly. The last of these appeared recently, signaling his ongoing engagement with questions of global power, collective decision making, and the structures that shape modern sovereignty and democracy.
Friends, colleagues, and students have spoken in personal terms about his influence. One colleague recalled a deep, enduring connection that survives in memory and in the lives he touched. A message of gratitude and affection circulated publicly, expressing appreciation for the mentorship and the sense of community Negri fostered among comrades, friends and families alike. This testimony reflects how his intellectual presence has continued to resonate beyond the lecture hall and into everyday conversations about politics, philosophy, and social struggle.
Negri’s life story intertwines theoretical innovation with real-world activism. He has written extensively on the power of collective organization, the role of emancipatory thought in shaping social movements, and the ways in which people mobilize to challenge dominant structures. His work invites readers to consider how ideas about sovereignty, pluralism and commonwealth can translate into practical, people-centered political action. While his career has sparked debate and critique, the enduring question remains: how can theory translate into everyday resistance and sustained social change for communities across North America and Europe?