It is impossible to predict the time and progress of revolution. It is governed by its own more or less mysterious laws.
Vladimir LeninRead
If Socialism can only be realized when the intellectual development of all the people permits it, then we shall not see Socialism for at least five hundred years.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lenin suggests that the achievement of socialism depends on the intellectual maturity of the populace, which he believes is far off.
In this quote, Lenin expresses a critical view on the timeline for achieving socialism, arguing that if it necessitates a high level of intellectual development among the masses, it may take centuries to realize. This statement reflects his skepticism about the current readiness of society for such a significant political and social change, illuminating the interplay between intellect and political systems.
Themes
SocialismIntellectual DevelopmentPoliticsSocietyChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about political reform, one could reference this quote to highlight the importance of education for societal change.
More from Vladimir Lenin
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A democracy is a state which recognizes the subjection of the minority to the majority, that is, an organization for the systematic use of violence by one class against the other, by one part of the population against another.
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We are not utopians, we do not βdreamβ of dispensing at once with all administration, with all subordination. These anarchist dreams, based upon incomprehension of the tasks of the proletarian dictatorship, are totally alien to Marxism, and, as a matter of fact, serve only to postpone the socialist revolution until people are different. No, we want the socialist revolution with people as they are now, with people who cannot dispense with subordination, control, and "foremen and accountants".
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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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