This is why it's important to differentiate between Marx's preferred political system (Communism) and the ideas of Marx more holistically (Marxism). Many of Marx's ideas remain compelling ways to explain our modern world (alienation, false consciousness, just to cite two), even if Marx's political ideas turned out to be a disaster.
The idea of false consciousness is one of the most misanthropic and illiberal ideas of the 20th century. It "explains" why the masses disagree with your "analysis" and thus shields you from having to confront the frightening prospect that maybe the masses actually are better equipped for knowing what they want and setting priorities for their own lives than you are.
