Marxists are political and social activists who desire the abolition of capitalist society and its replacement with a social organization which empowers the working class. In Camus' time, they were very active in political affairs. Despite his leanings towards the Left, however, Camus is very critical of the Marxists. He believes that their view of history—which is a kind of inevitable, gradual unfolding of socialism—is unrealistic and idealistic and that many today have compromised their basic principles.