Man is increasingly intrigued by human nature and by the functioning of society. Because of this interest, there is a plethora of concepts surrounding man and his condition. The social contract, an agreement between individuals that individuals must sacrifice something to protect themselves, is the cornerstone of how society functions. Over the years, various social contract theorists have attempted to understand the bonds that unite man. Karl Marx, Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche each felt constrained by their times and, as a result, introduced radical concepts around the social contract. Each of the philosophers' revolutionary concepts challenges power, and although their arguments differ radically, Nietzsche can be considered the most radical of the three. Karl Marx is most often recognized as a radical who wanted to overthrow capitalism. Marx's ideals emerged at the start of the English Industrial Revolution and many believe he was an evil radical who failed to contribute to society. Marx's most important contribution, however, lies in his analysis and critique of capitalism. Karl Marx was a man seeking justice, even though he ultimately created chaos. He believed that to understand a society, we must understand the industry and employment structure of the society. In other words, Marx believed that all aspects of any society flowed from its economic base. There exists a social relationship of production in which men depend on each other. “To produce, they enter into definite connections and relations with each other and it is only within these social connections and relations that their action on nature, production, takes place” (Marx 207) . Although the mode of production may vary, without them...... middle of paper ......through their radical theories. If each of their writings constitutes a radical break with the societies and ideas of their time, Nietzsche is the most radical. Marx, Darwin, and Nietzsche each felt constrained by their times and, for this reason, introduced radical concepts that challenged power, particularly around social contract theory. Works Cited Darwin, Charles, MA On the origin of species by means of natural selection. 1859. Printed. Marx, Karl and Frederick Engels. The Marx-Engels reader. Ed. Robert C. Tucker. 2nd ed. New York: WW Norton, 1978. Print. Marx, Karl and Frederick Engels. Wage labor and capital. Trans. Harriet E. Lothrop, MD New York: New York Labor News, 1902. Print.Nietzsche, Friedrich W. On the Genealogy of Morals. Trans. Walter A. Kaufmann and RJ Hollingdale. Vintage books ed. New York: Random House, 1989. Print.