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Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a revolutionary thinker and socio-economic philosopher, whose ideas profoundly shaped political theory and practice. His seminal work, 'Capital' (Das Kapital), remains a cornerstone of Marxist economics and critique of political economy. Marx was born in Trier, in the Prussian Rhineland, and studied law and philosophy at the universities of Bonn and Berlin. Influenced by Hegelian philosophy, Marx's eventual turn to communism was provoked by the dire social conditions he observed in industrial England. Alongside his collaborator Friedrich Engels, Marx authored 'The Communist Manifesto' in 1848, a pamphlet that has become one of the most influential political documents in history. In 'Capital', Marx meticulously analyses the capitalist system, delving into the dynamics of production, labor, capital accumulation, and class struggle. His literary style combines rigorous economic analysis with a sharp and sometimes biting critique, exposing the contradictions and exploitative mechanisms inherent in capitalism. Beyond 'Capital', Marx's extensive oeuvre includes works on history, sociology, and politics, which together lay the foundation for the school of thought known as Marxism—a profound influence on labor movements, academic disciplines, and revolutionary activities worldwide. Posthumously, Marx's ideas continue to incite debate, inspire activism, and inform a diverse array of political ideologies and policies.