Capitalism Quote by Mikhail Gorbachev
“In effect, according to Lenin, socialism and democracy are indivisible. By gaining democratic freedoms the working masses come to power.”
About This Quote
Lenin argued that socialism cannot exist without democratic control, implying that true socialism requires the working class to hold political power.
In simple terms: Socialism needs democratic empowerment of workers.
Key Takeaway
Democracy and socialism are interdependent.
Themes
political theory
social justice
class struggle
democratic governance
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
political
ideological
When to use this quote
- labor movements seeking political influence
- post-revolutionary state building
- grassroots campaigns for economic equality
Key Concepts
socialism
democracy
working class
political power
Practical Applications
- designing participatory economic policies
- educating citizens on collective decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How does democratic participation affect economic outcomes?
- Can socialism survive without political freedom?
![“Because in [Lenin's] eyes the workers were only workers and not also customers, he believed they were already slaves under capitalism, and that one did not change their status when nationalizing all plants and shops. Socialism substitutes the sovereignty of a dictator, or committee of dictators…” quote by Ludwig Von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f08/ludwig-von-mises-364_political-parties_because-in-lenin-s-eyes-the-workers-were_842790.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
