Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a philosopher and revolutionary who conducted extensive research on capitalism. He authored "Capital", a detailed study of the rise of capitalism and how the economic system of production shapes society's major institutions and cultural values. Marx argued that the division of society into economic classes, such as the wealthy capitalists and working class, would inevitably lead to conflict between these groups and could ultimately destroy or transform capitalism. He believed social change was necessary and could only be achieved through class conflict.