Karl Marx was a philosopher, economist, and revolutionary whose ideas shaped political thought and social theory. He is best known for developing Marxism, which critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society. Marx argued that history is driven by class struggle, with capitalism exploiting the working class for profit. His key works, including The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, analyze the dynamics of capitalist economies and predict their eventual collapse. Marx's ideas influenced socialist and communist movements worldwide, although their interpretations varied. His legacy continues to inspire debates on inequality, labor, and social justice.