Karl Marx, Prosperity Coach

On the philosopher’s 200th birthday, his influence is felt in the most unexpected places

Karl Marx turns 200 on May 5. Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images

In 2006, The Secret introduced a new generation to the claim that thoughts are causative. Word quickly spread that a key inspiration behind the hit movie and book was a slender, obscure metaphysical guide from 1910: The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles.