Karl Marx (1818-1883), a revolutionary philosopher, economist, historian, and political theorist, remains a towering figure in the world of political thought and economics. Marx's contributions extended through several disciplines, predominantly his scathing critique of capitalism and his advocacy for socialism and communism. Born in Trier, Germany, Marx entered the University of Bonn and later, the University of Berlin, where he delved into Hegelian philosophy. His intense criticism of the political and social establishment of his time led him to a life of writing and activism. Together with his lifelong friend and collaborator Friedrich Engels, Marx wrote 'The Communist Manifesto' (1848), a succinct and powerful call-to-arms, encapsulating the principles of the communist movement. Marx's analytical approach to the functioning of capitalism and its socio-economic consequences is expounded upon in his magnum opus, 'Das Kapital.' Marx's writing is known for its sharp and incisive examination of class relations and societal conflict, the labor theory of value, and the concept of historical materialism, which formed the bedrock of his theory. Central to Marx's work is the idea that the history of society is a history of class struggles and that the emancipation of the proletariat will lead to a classless society. Marx's ideas have had a profound impact on intellectual history and political practice, continuing to resonate in current debates about inequality and the nature of capitalism.