Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher and economist best known for his critique of capitalism and his theories on socialism and communism. His most famous works, including The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, laid the foundation for modern socialist movements and have influenced political thought worldwide. Marx argued that history is driven by class struggles and that capitalism inevitably leads to its own downfall. He envisioned a classless society where the means of production are communally owned, which has inspired various political movements and revolutions throughout history.