Political power, properly so called, is merely the…
““Political power, properly so called, is merely the organised power of one class for oppressing another. If the proletariat during its contest with the bourgeoisie is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to organise itself as a class, if, by means of a revolution, it makes itself the ruling class, and, as such, sweeps away by force the old conditions of production, then it will, along with these conditions, have swept away the conditions for the existence of class antagonisms and of classes generally, and will thereby have abolished its own supremacy as a class.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Class power arises from organized oppression; revolution can dissolve class hierarchies, but also creates new ruling classes.
In simple terms: Revolution changes who holds power.
Key Takeaway
Understand power dynamics in societal change.
Themes
politics
class
revolution
power
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- education
- policy making
- community organizing
Key Concepts
marxism
historical materialism
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent new hierarchies?
- How can true equality be sustained?
A Different Perspective
Revolution may replace one oppression with another.