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Can and must! The proclamation of this new conception of…

“Can and must! The proclamation of this new conception of [Joseph Stalin] is closed by the same words, "Such are in general the characteristic features of Lenin's conception of the proletarian revolution." In the course of a single year Stalin ascribed to [Vladimir] Lenin two directly opposed…” quote by Leon Trotsky
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“Can and must! The proclamation of this new conception of [Joseph Stalin] is closed by the same words, "Such are in general the characteristic features of Lenin's conception of the proletarian revolution." In the course of a single year Stalin ascribed to [Vladimir] Lenin two directly opposed conceptions of the fundamental question of socialism. The first version represents the real tradition of the party; the second took shape in Stalin's mind only after the death of Lenin, in the course of the struggle against "Trotskyism".”

Leon Trotsky

About This Quote

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

Stalin’s shifting views on socialism contrast with Lenin’s.

In simple terms: Stalin altered socialism concepts after Lenin’s death.

Key Takeaway

Study political ideology evolution.

Themes

politics ideology history

Mood

critical historical

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • political analysis
  • education
  • activism

Key Concepts

marxism power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why did Stalin reinterpret Lenin?
  • What impact did this have on socialism?
A Different Perspective

Historical context may explain shifts.

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