Bags Quote by Vladimir Lenin
“Does not the whole history of socialism, particularly of French socialism, which is so rich in revolutionary striving, show us that when the working people themselves take power in their hands the ruling classes resort to unheard-of crimes and shootings if it is a matter of protecting their money-bags.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On the History of Socialism, 1916
When workers seize power, ruling elites may commit extreme violence to protect their wealth.
In simple terms: Power shifts can trigger brutal repression by those losing wealth.
Expect resistance from entrenched interests.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- political revolutions
- policy reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent elite backlash?
- How can revolutions avoid becoming oppressive?
Violence can also arise from internal revolutionary excesses.