Communism Quote by Arthur Koestler
““Ivanov- "Up to now , all revolutions have been made by moralizing diletantes. They were always in good faith and perished because of their dilettantism. We for the first time are consequent..." "Yes," said Rubashov. "So consequent, that in the interests of a just distribution of land we deliberately let die of starvation about five million farmers and their families in one year. So consequent were we in the liberation of human beings from the shackles of industrial exploitation that we sent about ten million people to do forced labour in the Artic regions and the jungles of the East, under conditions similar to those of antique galley slaves. So consequent that, to settle a difference of opinion, we know only one argument: death, whether it is a matter of submarines, manure, or the Party line to be followed in Indo-China. ...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Darkness at Noon, Arthur Koestler, 1940
The speaker argues that revolutionary ideals have become bureaucratic, justifying massive suffering for supposed greater good.
In simple terms: Revolutions now cause suffering under the guise of progress.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral cost of ideological actions.
Themes
politics
ideology
morality
power
consequences
Mood
cynical
grim
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- war
- forced labor
- colonial exploitation
- social engineering
Key Concepts
totalitarianism
utilitarianism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can ends justify means?
- What are alternatives to violent enforcement?
A Different Perspective
The quote may exaggerate for dramatic effect, overlooking nuanced motivations.
![“What a mess,” [Rubashov] said, “what a mess we have made of our golden age.” Ivanov smiled. “Maybe,” he said happily. “Look at the Gracchi and Saint Just and the Commune of Paris. Up to now, all revolutions have been made by moralizing dilettantes. They were always in good faith and perished…” quote by Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f17/arthur-koestler-1903_first-time_what-a-mess-rubashov-said-what-a-mess-we_911720.jpg)
