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What Is To Be Done? - A Revolutionary Guide to Changing the World

Dale Mitchell

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By Vladimir Lenin

What Is To Be Done? is a classic work of Marxist political theory by Vladimir Lenin. First published in 1902, the book has been translated into dozens of languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. In What Is To Be Done?, Lenin argues that the working class can only achieve its revolutionary goals through the formation of a disciplined, centralized political party. He also criticizes the reformist tendencies of some socialists, who he argues are ultimately doomed to failure.

What Is To Be Done? has been a major influence on revolutionary movements around the world, and it remains an essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history of socialism and communism.

What Is To Be Done?

by P.G. Van

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Language	:	English
File size	:	647 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	123 pages
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What Is Lenin's Argument in What Is To Be Done?

In What Is To Be Done?, Lenin argues that the working class is a revolutionary class with the potential to overthrow capitalism and establish a socialist society. However, he also argues that the working class cannot achieve this goal spontaneously. Instead, it needs to be organized and led by a revolutionary political party.

Lenin's argument is based on the following premises:

The working class is the only class that can overthrow capitalism. This is because the working class is the only class that is both exploited by capitalism and has the potential to organize and fight for its own liberation.
The working class cannot achieve its revolutionary goals spontaneously. This is because the working class is divided by nationality, religion, and other factors. It also lacks the political consciousness and organization necessary to overthrow capitalism.
A revolutionary political party is necessary to organize and lead the working class. This party must be based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism. It must be disciplined and centralized, and it must have a clear understanding of the goals of the revolution.

Lenin's Critique of Reformism

In What Is To Be Done?, Lenin also criticizes the reformist tendencies of some socialists. He argues that these socialists are ultimately doomed to failure because they do not understand the nature of capitalism and the need for revolution.

Reformists believe that capitalism can be reformed through gradual, peaceful means. They advocate for policies such as minimum wage laws, unemployment insurance, and social welfare programs. Lenin argues that these policies are ultimately ineffective because they do not address the root causes of capitalism's problems.

Lenin also argues that reformists tend to be opportunists. They are willing to compromise with the capitalist class in Free Download to achieve short-term gains for the working class. However, these compromises ultimately weaken the working class and make it more difficult to achieve革命.

The Legacy of What Is To Be Done?

What Is To Be Done? has had a profound impact on the history of socialism and communism. The book has been a major influence on revolutionary movements around the world, from the Bolsheviks in Russia to the Chinese Communist Party. It remains an essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history of socialism and communism, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for revolutionaries today.

What Is To Be Done? is a classic work of Marxist political theory that remains relevant today. Lenin's arguments about the need for a revolutionary political party and the critique of reformism are as insightful now as they were over a century ago.

If you are interested in learning more about socialism, communism, or the history of revolutionary movements, I highly recommend reading What Is To Be Done?.