...the very cannibalism of the counterrevolution will…
“...the very cannibalism of the counterrevolution will convince the nations that there is only one way in which the murderous death agonies of the old society and the bloody birth throes of the new society can be shortened, simplified and concentrated, and that way is revolutionary terror.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Revolutionary terror is presented as the only means to hasten the transition from an oppressive old order to a new one.
In simple terms: Violence is seen as a shortcut to societal change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral costs of violent upheaval.
Themes
revolution
violence
political change
history
ethics
Mood
grim
serious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- political revolutions
- post‑colonial transitions
- social upheavals
- reform movements
Key Concepts
Marxism
state power
class struggle
Questions to Reflect On
- Is violent change ever justified?
- What alternatives exist to achieve systemic transformation?
A Different Perspective
Violence often creates further suffering and can undermine the intended goals.