Americans have a severe disease - worse than AIDS. It's called the winner's complex.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
According to Lenin, socialism and democracy are indivisible.... The essence of perestroika lies in the fact that it unites socialism with democracy and revives the Leninist concept of socialist construction both in theory and in practice. We want more socialism and, therefore, more democracy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Gorbachev emphasizes the connection between socialism and democracy, arguing that enhancing one requires enhancing the other.
In this quote, Mikhail Gorbachev speaks to the fundamental relationship between socialism and democracy as described by Lenin. He believes that socialism is strengthened through democratic principles, and the process of perestroika, which he implemented in the Soviet Union, aims to fuse these two concepts, thereby revitalizing the socialist framework in both theoretical and practical terms. This approach reflects a vision for a more inclusive, participatory system that acknowledges the necessity of democratic engagement to achieve socialist ideals.
Themes
SocialismDemocracyPerestroikaGorbachevLenin
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech discussing the importance of democratic principles in socialist movements.
More from Mikhail Gorbachev
All quotes →Gentlemen, comrades, do not be concerned about all you hear about Glasnost and Perestroika and democracy in the coming years. They are primarily for outward consumption. There will be no significant internal changes in the Soviet Union, other than for cosmetic purposes. Our purpose is to disarm the Americans and let them fall asleep.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
The soviet people want full-blooded and unconditional democracy.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
To me, nature is sacred. Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
New approaches are needed, new orientations in both thought and action. We must make the transition to a new civilization...We are talking of a transition toward a new civilization. No one knows what it will be like. What is important is to orient in that direction... I am convinced that a new civilization will inevitably take on certain features that are characteristic of, or inherent in, the socialist ideal.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
Democracy is the wholesome and pure air without which a socialist public organization cannot live a full-blooded life.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
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