We are not utopians, we do not “dream” of dispensing at once with all administration, with all subordination. These anarchist dreams, based upon incomprehension of the tasks of the proletarian dictatorship, are totally alien to Marxism, and, as a matter of fact, serve only to postpone the socialist revolution until people are different. No, we want the socialist revolution with people as they are now, with people who cannot dispense with subordination, control, and "foremen and accountants".
Vladimir LeninTo rely upon conviction, devotion, and other excellent spiritual qualities; that is not to be taken seriously in politics.
Vladimir LeninOur aim is to achieve a socialist system of society, which, by eliminating the division of mankind into classes, by eliminating all exploitation of man by man and nation by nation, will inevitably eliminate the very possibility of war.
Vladimir LeninA revolution is impossible without a revolutionary situation; furthermore, not every revolutionary situation leads to revolution.
Vladimir LeninIdeological talk and phrase mongering about political liberties should be disposed with; all that is just mere chatter and phrase mongering. We should get away from those phrases.
Vladimir LeninLenin, the greatest man of action in our century and at the same time the most selfless.
Vladimir LeninThere are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel.
Vladimir LeninDictatorship is rule based directly upon force and unrestricted by any laws. The revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat is rule won and maintained by the use of violence by the proletariat against the bourgeoisie, rule that is unrestricted by any laws.
Vladimir LeninPacifism, the preaching of peace in the abstract, is one of the means of duping the working class.
Vladimir LeninIt is more pleasant and useful to go through the 'experience of the revolution' than to write about it.
Vladimir LeninFreedom in capitalist society always remains about the same as it was in ancient Greek republics: Freedom for slave owners.
Vladimir LeninAll official and liberal science defends wage-slavery, whereas Marxism has declared relentless war on that slavery.
Vladimir LeninThe history of all countries shows that the working class exclusively by its own effort is able to develop only trade-union consciousness.
Vladimir LeninLiterature must become party literature. Down with unpartisan litterateurs! Down with the superman of literature! Literature must become a part of the general cause of the proletariat.
Vladimir LeninIf Socialism can only be realized when the intellectual development of all the people permits it, then we shall not see Socialism for at least five hundred years.
Vladimir LeninBut I can't listen to music too often. It affects your nerves, makes you want to say stupid, nice things, and stroke the heads of people who could create such beauty while living in this vile hell.
Vladimir LeninUnity is a great thing and a great slogan. But what the workers’ cause needs is the unity of Marxists, not unity between Marxists, and opponents and distorters of Marxism.
Vladimir Lenin