The ends justify the means, and the rule of law is sacrificed in the name of social justice Throughout most of the 19th and 20th centuries Socialism had a fairly precise definition, a somewhat clear program, and a generally agreed-upon goal. The definition of Socialism was some variant of Karl Marxs well known statement, From each according to the ability to each according to their need. Socialisms program was the nationalization of all means of production, exchange, and distribution.