Acting Quote by C. L. R. James
“The struggle for socialism is the struggle for proletarian (working class) democracy. Proletarian democracy is not the crown of socialism. Socialism is the result of proletarian democracy. To the degree that the proletariat mobilizes itself and the great masses of the people, the socialist revolution is advanced. The proletariat mobilizes itself as a self-acting force through its own committees, unions, parties, and other organizations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Black Jacobins", 1938
Socialism emerges from proletarian democracy; the working class must self-organize to achieve it.
In simple terms: Socialism needs working‑class self‑action.
Key Takeaway
Support grassroots democratic structures.
Themes
politics
socialism
democracy
Mood
determined
critical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- labor unions
- community assemblies
Key Concepts
class struggle
self‑organization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can workers build effective self‑governance?
- What obstacles hinder proletarian democracy?
A Different Perspective
Opposition from entrenched powers can stall progress.
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