Meaning: This quote refers to the early fascination of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, with the ideology of Marxism. Oswald, at the age of approximately 13, began to study Marxism and continued to affirm his adherence to it in his writings. The quote implies a sense of curiosity and intrigue at Oswald's early interest in Marxism, suggesting that he may have sought to portray himself as a devoted and knowledgeable adherent of the ideology. The quote is attributed to John Cooper, a politician who may have been reflecting on Oswald's ideological leanings and how they may have shaped his actions and motivations.

Lee Harvey Oswald's interest in Marxism is a well-documented aspect of his life. Born in 1939, Oswald grew up in the United States but spent a significant portion of his early adulthood living in the Soviet Union. His time in the Soviet Union, as well as his vocal support for Marxist ideologies, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation in the years following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.

Oswald's early exposure to Marxism at the age of 13 is indicative of a precocious intellectual curiosity. It suggests that even at a young age, Oswald was drawn to complex political and philosophical ideas that were well beyond the interests of most adolescents. This early interest in Marxism likely set the stage for his later political activities and affiliations.

It's worth noting that the quote also touches on the idea that Oswald may have been motivated by a desire to present himself as a devoted Marxist. This raises questions about Oswald's sincerity and the extent to which his professed ideological beliefs were genuine or simply a facade. Throughout his life, Oswald displayed a pattern of seeking attention and recognition, and his embrace of Marxism may have been a part of this tendency.

The quote by John Cooper, the politician, may be offering a critical perspective on Oswald's professed Marxism. Cooper's use of the term "very curious" suggests a sense of intrigue or skepticism about Oswald's early interest in Marxism. It's possible that Cooper was highlighting the unusual nature of a young American boy in the 1950s and 1960s showing such a strong affinity for an ideology that was often portrayed as antithetical to American values during the Cold War.

Furthermore, the mention of Oswald wanting to present himself as a "great, supreme Marxist" raises the issue of Oswald's self-image and ego. It suggests that Oswald may have been motivated by a desire for grandiosity and recognition, using his professed Marxism as a means of elevating his own status and importance. This interpretation aligns with psychological profiles of Oswald that have been developed by historians and researchers.

In conclusion, the quote provides insight into Lee Harvey Oswald's early embrace of Marxism and the potential motivations behind his ideological leanings. It suggests that Oswald's interest in Marxism at a young age was unusual and raises questions about the sincerity of his professed beliefs. Additionally, the quote hints at Oswald's potential desire for recognition and self-aggrandizement through his identification with Marxism. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on an aspect of Oswald's life that continues to be the subject of historical and political analysis.