Herbert Marcuse was a German-American philosopher and sociologist, best known for his work in the Frankfurt School of critical theory. Born in 1898, he became a prominent figure in the 1960s, advocating for social change and liberation. His ideas challenged traditional capitalist societies, emphasizing the importance of human freedom and creativity. Marcuse's influential book, One-Dimensional Man, critiqued modern industrial society for suppressing individuality and critical thought. He argued that people should strive for a more liberated existence, free from the constraints of consumerism and conformity. His work inspired many activists during the counterculture movement of the 1960s, promoting a vision of a more just and equitable world.