Communism needs democracy like the human body needs oxygen.
Leon TrotskyRead
To renounce the conquest of power is voluntarily to leave the power with those who wield it, the exploiters. The essence of every revolution consisted and consists in putting a new class in power, thus enabling it to realize its own program in life. It is impossible to wage war and to reject victory.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Rejecting the pursuit of power leaves it in the hands of those who exploit others.
In this quote, Trotsky emphasizes that surrendering the desire for power allows oppressive forces to maintain their control. He argues that true revolutions involve the transfer of power to a new class that can enact its vision for society, and that engaging in conflict inevitably leads to the pursuit of victory, which requires power to implement change.
Themes
PowerRevolutionExploitersClassVictory
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, to illustrate the need for active engagement in social change.
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Leon TrotskyRead
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