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The Socialist Alternative "We loathe with all our soul continual reflection and the philistine fear of vigorous action ... Therefore let us fight for freedom as long as we are young and full of growing vigor (Karl Marx)." Karl Marx (1818-83), was a German political philosopher and revolutionist. Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, founded scientific socialism or modern communism. For that he is known as one of the most influential thinkers of all times. Marx was …

…and theories came to be known as Marxism, or scientific socialism, which constitutes one of the principal currents of contemporary political thought. His analysis of capitalist economy and his theories of historical materialism, the class struggle, and surplus value have become the basis of modern socialist doctrine. Of decisive importance with respect to revolutionary action are his theories on the nature of the capitalist state, the road to power, and the dictatorship of the proletariat.