Write a short note on Early socialist thinkers.

Early socialist thinkers laid the intellectual groundwork for the development of socialist and communist ideologies during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their ideas emerged in response to the socio-economic challenges brought about by the Industrial Revolution, advocating for a more equitable distribution of wealth and the amelioration of working-class conditions. Two prominent early socialist thinkers are Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Karl Marx (1818-1883):

• Marx, a German philosopher and economist, co-authored "The Communist Manifesto" (1848) with Friedrich Engels. Marx's most influential work, "Das Kapital," delves into the critique of capitalism, exploring the dynamics of class struggle and the exploitation of labor. He envisioned a classless society, anticipating the eventual overthrow of the capitalist system through a proletarian revolution.

Friedrich Engels (1820-1895):

• Engels, a German philosopher and social scientist, collaborated closely with Marx. Engels contributed significantly to the articulation of Marxist theory, providing financial support for Marx's work. His works, including "The Condition of the Working Class in England" (1845) and "Socialism: Utopian and Scientific" (1880), addressed the social consequences of industrialization and the scientific basis of socialism.

These early socialist thinkers laid the theoretical foundations for subsequent socialist movements, influencing political ideologies and social movements across the globe. Their critiques of capitalism, emphasis on class struggle, and vision of a more egalitarian society continue to shape discussions on socio-economic justice and political philosophy.