It is impossible to predict the time and progress of revolution. It is governed by its own more or less mysterious laws.
Vladimir LeninRead
The leaders of the petty bourgeoisie must teach the people to trust the bourgeoisie. The proletarians must teach the people to distrust the bourgeoisie.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the conflicting perspectives of different social classes regarding trust in the bourgeoisie.
Lenin's quote reflects the tension between the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class). He suggests that leaders of the petty bourgeoisie, who are often caught between the two, have the responsibility to foster trust in the bourgeoisie while the proletarians, who represent the working classβs interests, must instill skepticism towards them. This highlights the ideological battle over power and influence in society.
Themes
BourgeoisieProletariatTrustDistrustLeadershipSocial Class
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate on class struggle, one might cite this quote to highlight the differing views on capitalism.
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The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
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