Conflict Theory The most influential socialist thinker of the 19th century is Karl Marx. His theory changed the way the world is seen today. Ms. Wheen's amateur perspective allows her to see Mr. Marx slightly differently than a professional scholar would see him. It should also, however, make readers suspicious of Ms. Wheen's persistent claims that only he clearly understood the life and work of Karl Marx. Ms. Wheen's journalistic background is evident in the book's style. It is written in a casual, irreverent, informal way. This overall makes the book enjoyable to read for me. The fact that we don't study Karl Marx for his biography, but rather for his ideas is what I believe makes him so great. I believe that the theory of Marxism in the two parts of Marxism: materialism and class struggle helps to shape the world. Marx's most significant historical influence can be seen in communist nations, but Marx never writes about creating a totalitarian