Conflict Theory The most influential socialist thinker of the 19th century was Karl Marx. His theory changed the way the world is viewed today. Ms. Wheen's amateur perspective allows her to view Mr. Marx somewhat differently than a professional academic. But it should also make readers suspicious of Ms. Wheen's persistent claims that he alone clearly understood the life and work of Karl Marx. Ms. Wheen's journalistic experience is evident in the style of the book. It is written in a light, irreverent and informal manner. This generally makes the book enjoyable to read. The fact that we study Karl Marx not for his biography, but rather for his ideas, is what I think makes him so great. The theory of Marxism in both parts of Marxism: materialism and class struggle, I believe, helps shape the world. Marx's most significant historical influence can be seen in communist nations, but Marx never writes about the creation of a totalitarian system.