Able Quote by Leon Trotsky
“Terror, as the demonstration of the will and strength of the working class, is historically justified, precisely because the proletariat was able thereby to break the political will of the intelligentsia, pacify the professional man of various categories and work, and gradually subordinate them to its own aims within the field of their specialties.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Revolution Betrayed, 1937
Terror is seen as a tool for the working class to dismantle elite resistance and align professional groups with proletarian goals.
In simple terms: Terror used to break elite power and unite workers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how power dynamics shape political tactics.
Themes
politics
class struggle
revolution
power
violence
Mood
tense
critical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- political campaigns
- authoritarian regimes
- social upheavals
Key Concepts
Marxism
state theory
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- Is coercion ever justified for political change?
- What alternatives exist to achieve class solidarity?
A Different Perspective
Violence can create backlash and undermine legitimacy.
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