Skip to content

The workmen's revolution, with the terrors of destruction…

“The workmen's revolution, with the terrors of destruction and murder, not only threatens us, but we have already been living upon its verge during the last thirty years, and it is only by various cunning devices that we have been postponing the crisis. The hatred and contempt of the oppressed…” quote by Leo Tolstoy
Download Open image
“The workmen's revolution, with the terrors of destruction and murder, not only threatens us, but we have already been living upon its verge during the last thirty years, and it is only by various cunning devices that we have been postponing the crisis. The hatred and contempt of the oppressed people are increasing, and the physical and moral strength of the richer classes are decreasing: the deceit which supports all this is wearing out, and the rich classes have nothing wherewith to comfort themselves.”

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author warns that class conflict is intensifying, with the oppressed growing resentful and the wealthy losing power, yet society delays confronting the inevitable crisis

In simple terms: Class tensions rise, crisis is delayed

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address social inequities now

Themes

conflict inequality crisis

Mood

urgent critical

Type

analytical prophetic

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • education reform
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

social theory historical cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can reduce class tensions?
  • How can societies confront looming crises proactively?
A Different Perspective

The analysis may overgeneralize and ignore individual agency

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Leo Tolstoy

Explore all 1,754 Leo Tolstoy quotes

More Class quotes

Browse all 7,637 Class quotes