Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned. The idea is that each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs, eliminating the disparities created by capitalism. Key figures in the development of this ideology include Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who outlined their theories in works like The Communist Manifesto. In practice, communism has been implemented in various forms around the world, often leading to significant political and social changes. Countries such as China and Cuba have adopted communist principles, though the outcomes have varied widely, leading to debates about the effectiveness and morality of the system.