Absurd Quote by Allen W. Wood
“It is absurd for anyone to think that Soviet "Marxism" is a correct application of the thought of Karl Marx. No doubt Soviet propaganda represented it this way. But who believes Soviet propaganda? It is remarkable (but maybe not so remarkable after all, when you consider their motives) that apologists for capitalism, who would not accept Soviet propaganda on any other point, are eager to agree with it on this point.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Marxism and the Philosophy of Language, 1995
Soviet “Marxism” distorts Marx’s ideas; critics of capitalism paradoxically accept this distortion because it serves their agenda.
In simple terms: Soviet Marxism misrepresents Marx; critics sometimes accept it.
Key Takeaway
Question ideological claims critically.
Themes
politics
philosophy
ideology
propaganda
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political analysis
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Marxism
Soviet distortion
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people accept distorted ideologies?
- How can we discern authentic Marxist theory?
A Different Perspective
The claim may ignore nuances in Soviet thought.
![“I think [Karl] Marx, Pope John XXIII or Rosa Luxemburg [had achieved the mode of existence].But it would be useless to look at a list of illustrious names.” quote by Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/10f/erich-fromm-367_existence_i-think-karl-marx-pope-john-xxiii-or-ros_105242.jpg)
