Brian Becker - The Lessons of Lenin's State and Revolution
PSL National・16 minutes read
Communism and Marxism spread globally post the Russian Revolution, influencing leaders like Ho Chi Minh and Mao in the East and South, with Lenin's "State and Revolution" guiding revolutionaries on the importance of smashing the existing state for true liberation and public ownership of production means. Lenin's polemical works critique socialist parties' opportunistic actions during World War I, highlighting the need to understand revolutionary theories like Marxism and Leninism for societal transformation and the empowerment of oppressed classes.
Insights
- Lenin's book "State and Revolution" serves as a critical text for revolutionaries outside Europe, highlighting the need to dismantle existing oppressive state structures and establish new ones based on revolutionary principles, advocating for public ownership of production means.
- The study of the state and revolution by Lenin not only criticized socialist parties' opportunistic actions during World War I but also emphasized the importance of understanding Marxist texts differently from religious scriptures, underlining the necessity of a deeper examination of reformism and opportunism within leftist movements for true revolutionary essence.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of Lenin's book "State and Revolution"?
Lenin's book "State and Revolution" serves as a pivotal guide for revolutionaries outside Europe, emphasizing the differences in how Marxists interpret texts compared to religious adherents. It critiques the German party's actions during World War I, highlighting the distortion of Marxist principles by socialist parties and the need to smash existing state structures for true liberation. The book advocates for public ownership of the means of production and influenced anti-colonial movements in various countries, shaping revolutionary ideologies globally.
How did Lenin's ideas impact anti-colonial movements?
Lenin's ideas, as outlined in "State and Revolution," influenced anti-colonial movements in China, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, and India by advocating for the smashing of existing state structures for true liberation. His emphasis on public ownership of the means of production and the need to destroy the existing state resonated with revolutionaries in these countries, guiding their struggles against colonialism and imperialism.
What is the core message of Marx's "Capital"?
Marx's "Capital" delves into the fundamental laws of capitalism, highlighting the proletariat's potential to not just be oppressed but to become the ruling class, transforming capitalism for the benefit of the majority. The book emphasizes the exploitative nature of capitalism and the possibility of a revolutionary change where the working class takes control of the means of production, reshaping society for the collective good.
How did Lenin's exploration of the state and revolution differ from religious texts?
Lenin's exploration of the state and revolution, as seen in his book "State and Revolution," differs from religious texts by critiquing socialist parties' opportunistic actions during World War I and emphasizing the need to smash existing state structures for true liberation. He highlights the importance of contextualizing Marxist principles and the revolutionary essence lost in socialist parties' actions, providing a clear guide for activists and revolutionaries.
What is the role of Lenin's writings in guiding revolutionary theory?
Lenin's writings, predominantly polemical in nature, play a crucial role in guiding revolutionary theory by emphasizing the importance of contextualizing historical battles of ideas. Activism, according to Lenin, must be grounded in a clear understanding of revolutionary theory like Marxism and Leninism, which encapsulate the struggles of oppressed classes throughout history. These ideologies provide direction and intentionality for societal transformation, shaping the collective efforts of revolutionaries worldwide.
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Summary
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Global Impact of Lenin's "State and Revolution"
- The PSL branch in DC initiated a discussion group focusing on studying the works of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and other revolutionaries globally.
- Communism and Marxism, originating in Europe, became a global phenomenon post the Russian Revolution, spreading to the East and South with figures like Ho Chi Minh, Kim Il-sung, and Mao.
- The movement shifted from Europe to the East and South, with leaders like Machal in Africa, leading revolutionary movements against colonialism.
- Lenin's book "State and Revolution" became a pivotal guide for revolutionaries outside Europe, emphasizing the differences in how Marxists interpret texts compared to religious adherents.
- Lenin's work was a polemic against Kautsky, critiquing the German party's capitulation during World War I despite their socialist principles.
- Lenin's exploration delved into the reasons behind socialist parties' opportunistic actions during the war, leading to a deeper examination of reformism and opportunism within the left.
- Lenin's study of the state and revolution in 1916 highlighted the distortion of Marxist principles by socialist parties, leading to a loss of revolutionary essence.
- The essence of the state, as per Marx and Engels, lies in coercion and repression, necessitating the destruction of the existing state for a socialist transformation.
- "State and Revolution" outlines the need to smash the existing state and create a new one reflecting revolutionary values, emphasizing public ownership of the means of production.
- Lenin's ideas in "State and Revolution" influenced anti-colonial movements in China, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, and India, advocating for the smashing of existing state structures for true liberation.
18:46
Influential texts shape revolutionary ideologies and actions.
- The Bible and the Quran have significantly influenced generations of revolutionaries, serving as guiding principles. Marx's "Capital" delves into the fundamental laws of capitalism, highlighting the proletariat's potential to not just be oppressed but to become the ruling class, transforming capitalism for the benefit of the majority.
- Lenin's writings are predominantly polemical, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing the battles of ideas he fought. Activism must be guided by a clear understanding of revolutionary theory, like Marxism and Leninism, which encapsulate the collective struggles of oppressed classes throughout history, providing direction and intentionality for societal transformation.
