From being a patriotic myth, the Russian people have become an awful reality.
It is unquestionably true that the need for art is not created by economic conditions. But neither is the need for food created by economics. On the contrary, the need for food and warmth creates economics.
Against my protests a mausoleum was built on the Red Square, a monument unbecoming and offensive to the revolutionary consciousness.
The masses go into a revolution not with a prepared plan of social reconstruction, but with a sharp feeling that they cannot endure the old regime. Only the guiding layers of a class have a political program, and even this still requires the test of events and the approval of the masses.
In a country where the sole employer is the State, opposition means death by slow starvation. The old principle: who does not work shall not eat, has been replaced by a new one: who does not obey shall not eat.
Learning carries within itself certain dangers because out of necessity one has to learn from one’s enemies.
Tell me anyway–Maybe I can find the truth by comparing the lies.
Fascism is nothing but capitalist reaction.
There is a limit to the application of democratic methods. You can inquire of all the passengers as to what type of car they like to ride in, but it is impossible to question them as to whether to apply the brakes when the train is at full speed and accident threatens.
There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances.
Everyone has the right to be stupid on occasion, but Comrade Macdonald abuses the privilege.
…capitalism does live by crises and booms, just as a human being lives by inhaling and exhaling.
Life is not an easy matter… You cannot live through it without falling into frustration and cynicism unless you have before you a great idea which raises you above personal misery, above weakness, above all kinds of perfidy and baseness.
The dynamic of revolutionary events is directly determined by swift, intense, and passionate changes in the psychology of classes which have already formed themselves before the revolution.
Insurrection is an art, and like all arts has its own laws.
Fascism is a caricature of Jacobinism.
I was not prepared to play the role of singer in the camp of the warriors
Workers – men and women – of all countries, place yourselves under the banner of the Fourth International. It is the banner of your approaching victory!
Let us not forget that revolutions are accomplished through people, although they be nameless. Materialism does not ignore the feeling, thinking, and acting man, but explains him.
If we had more time for discussion we should probably have made a great many more mistakes.
Old age is the most unexpected of all the things that can happen to a man.
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