Conception Quote by Emma Goldman
“With the conception that the Revolution was only a means of securing political power, it was inevitable that all revolutionary values should be subordinated to the needs of the Socialist State; indeed, exploited to further the security of the newly acquired governmental power.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Revolution and the State” (1905)
Revolutionary ideals become tools for state power, sacrificing original values to maintain authority.
In simple terms: Revolution can be co‑opted by power.
Key Takeaway
Guard revolutionary goals from political capture.
Themes
politics
revolution
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social movements
- policy reforms
- activist strategies
- government reforms
Key Concepts
ideology
statecraft
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements stay true to their founding principles?
- What mechanisms prevent state co‑option?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even noble intentions.
![“Take sex, for instance.' 'What do you want me to do with it?' 'Try to be serious for a moment. Take the sex life of our father.' [...] Even after a couple of brandies he felt extremely reluctant to discuss sex and his father. 'It's something I'd rather not think about,' he said. 'We all come into…” quote by John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/280/john-mortimer-7362_conception_take-sex-for-instance-what-do-you-want-m_4946.jpg)
