This pamphlet serves as a catalyst for your ideological development, steering you towards revolutionary consciousness. Inspired by Marx’s profound insight, ”The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it,” we offer guidance rooted in the teachings of Marxism-Leninism. Embrace what resonates with your understanding of the class struggle and apply it to your journey towards revolution, while critically analyzing and adapting these principles to your context. Our goal is to illuminate the path of revolutionary wisdom, empowering you to actively shape a world aligned with Marxist-Leninist ideals.
Marx and Lenin began their ideological movement with a profound and urgent call to transformation: ”Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.” This was not just an invitation for a temporary change, but a call for a lifelong commitment to the revolutionary path. In their teachings and actions, we find the embodiment of class struggle, solidarity, and selflessness. As Marx said, ”The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles,” he set forth a vision of a society that transcends class barriers, welcoming all workers into the collective struggle. Our actions should manifest our dedication to the cause: ”From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” Furthermore, Lenin challenged us with the ultimate revolutionary goal: ”To overthrow the power of the bourgeoisie and establish the power of the proletariat.” As followers of this ideology, our journey is about consistently striving to live by these principles and values, pushing towards the revolutionary transformation of society and ourselves.
In the words of Antonio Gramsci, ”The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and without becoming disillusioned.” This sentiment echoes the Marxist-Leninist understanding of trusting in the revolution. While the path and timing of revolutionary change are unpredictable, as Lenin pointed out, this uncertainty doesn’t lead to passivity but rather to a more profound engagement in the class struggle.
Trusting in the revolution involves a belief that, through concerted and collective efforts, aligned with the principles of Marxism-Leninism, the proletariat will not only challenge but eventually overcome the existing capitalist structures. This trust is not blind faith but is grounded in the historical materialist understanding that societal change is driven by class struggle. It means having faith that our actions, as part of the larger movement, contribute to the inevitable march towards a communist society.
Furthermore, Mao Zedong’s statement, ”The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history,” reinforces the idea that active participation in the revolution is essential. It’s a reminder that the revolution will provide for us in the sense that our collective efforts are creating a world where the needs and rights of all are met and respected. By actively engaging in this process, we are not only working towards the liberation of the proletariat but also ensuring our well-being within the framework of a future communist society.
Thus, trusting in the revolution means understanding our role in the dialectical process of societal change, remaining committed to the ideals of Marxism-Leninism, and actively participating in the class struggle. It’s a belief that through our collective efforts, a new and equitable society is not just a possibility but an eventual certainty.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social and political dynamics, the application of dialectical materialism—a cornerstone of Marxist-Leninist thought—becomes crucial in understanding the internal revolution. This concept, emphasizing the constant interaction of opposing forces leading to synthesis and change, guides us in recognizing and nurturing the internal revolution. As Georgi Plekhanov, the father of Russian Marxism, noted, ”The materialist doctrine concerning the changing of circumstances and upbringing forgets that circumstances are changed by men and that it is essential to educate the educator himself.” This highlights our role in both influencing and being influenced by the societal changes around us.
Che Guevara’s insight, ”The true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love,” takes on new depth when viewed through the lens of dialectical materialism. Our love for the proletariat and the revolution is both a driving force and a product of the internal struggle, a dynamic process of self-reflection and growth.
Rosa Luxemburg’s statement, ”Freedom is always the freedom of the one who thinks differently,” echoes the dialectical principle of contradiction and change. It’s a reminder that internal revolution involves challenging existing ideas and embracing the evolution of thought and action. This process is not only external but also a deeply personal journey of transformation.
Leon Trotsky’s assertion, ”The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end,” complements this understanding, encouraging us to be agents of change and truth, both in our external actions and internal beliefs.
Bertolt Brecht’s perspective, ”Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it,” becomes particularly poignant. It urges us to actively shape not only the world around us but also our inner selves, using the principles of dialectical materialism as our guide.
By embracing this continual process of internal revolution and applying dialectical materialism to our thoughts and actions, we align ourselves with the transformative goals of Marxism-Leninism. This path is not merely a fight against external forces but a profound internal awakening, leading us to become catalysts for change in both personal and societal realms.
Communist leaders emphasize the importance of service and solidarity. As Fidel Castro said, ”I began the revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I’d do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith.” This highlights the path of selflessness, dedication, and humility.
Recognizing the revolutionary potential within others starts with respecting their inherent dignity and role in the collective struggle. Zhou Enlai’s statement, ”All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means,” speaks to treating every interaction as part of the larger revolutionary struggle, marked by fairness, equity, and mutual respect.
Moreover, neighbors, strangers, and even adversaries are worthy of empathy and understanding within the broader context of societal change. As Castro asserted, ”A revolution is not a bed of roses,” we extend our revolutionary love and respect beyond immediate circles, embracing a universal kinship among those who strive for change.
Our compassion extends to all aspects of humanity and nature. Echoing Engels’ sentiment, ”An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory,” our commitment to care for and steward the world is part of our revolutionary duty.
The Nature of Proletarian Love: Enver Hoxha, the Albanian communist leader, once said, ”The liberation of the working people can only be achieved through a proletarian revolution.” This reflects a form of love rooted in liberation and collective emancipation, highlighting a deep commitment to the working class.
Seeking Forgiveness in the Collective Struggle: Walter Ulbricht, a leader in the German Democratic Republic, noted, ”The plan is the law, and patience and persistent work are required to fulfill it.” This suggests a recognition of the need for patience and understanding within the collective effort, implying a form of forgiveness as essential for the perseverance and success of the movement.
Duty of Revolutionary Kindness: Julius Nyerere, a Tanzanian socialist leader, believed in the power of kindness and unity, stating, ”Without unity, there is no future for Africa.” This highlights that kindness and a united front are crucial for the future of the collective struggle.
Love as a Revolutionary Commandment: Todor Zhivkov, a Bulgarian communist leader, said, ”The Party is like the mother who gives birth to the fighter, and the fighter must be worthy of his mother.” This metaphor captures the essence of revolutionary love - a profound respect and loyalty towards the party and its cause, akin to the love for a mother.
The Call to Forgive within the Movement: Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese communist leader, emphasized unity and forgiveness in his approach, stating, ”Unity, unity, great unity; Success, success, great success.” This underscores the importance of forgiveness and solidarity within the movement to achieve great success.
The Primacy of Ideological Teachings: The teachings of prominent Communist leaders like Mao Zedong, who stated, ”Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed,” are paramount. All actions and beliefs within the party must always harmonize with these revolutionary teachings.
Continuous Search for Ideological Wisdom: Deng Xiaoping emphasized the importance of practicality and learning, ”It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.” Every party member is encouraged to continuously engage with the teachings of both Soviet and Chinese Communist leaders.
The Role of Party Members: Stalin emphasized the importance of commitment to the party’s cause, stating, ”Education is a weapon whose effects depend on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.” This underscores the value of direct teachings from Communist leaders and the necessity of spreading these ideologies.
Avoiding Blind Allegiance: Khrushchev, known for his critique of Stalin’s excesses, highlighted the importance of critical thinking within the party. He famously denounced Stalin’s cult of personality, demonstrating the dangers of blind allegiance and the importance of maintaining ideological purity and practicality.
Discerning True Ideological Spirits: Leaders like Mao warned against anti-revolutionary or capitalist tendencies. Mao’s assertion, ”Combat liberalism,” serves as a reminder to stay true to revolutionary principles and to be wary of ideological dilution.
Role of Party Leaders: Party leaders, embodying the principles of Marxism-Leninism, provide guidance to their followers. As Deng Xiaoping said, ”To uphold socialism, we must eliminate poverty.” This reflects the importance of practical measures and service in leadership, focusing on the betterment of the people.
Unity in Ideological Pursuit: Despite varied interpretations and the evolution of communist ideology over time, the teachings of Marxist-Leninist leaders serve as a unifying force. The emphasis is on adapting these teachings to contemporary conditions while maintaining the core principles of socialism.
In conclusion, the wisdom of Soviet and Chinese Communist leaders guides party members towards a path illuminated by the struggle for socialism and the betterment of the masses. Adhering to these ideologies and continuously aligning with their teachings enables party members to fully embrace the essence of their political beliefs and objectives.
Awareness of Life’s Transience: As Che Guevara insightfully noted, ”We cannot be sure of having something to live for unless we are willing to die for it.” This echoes the Marxist understanding of life’s fleeting nature under capitalism and the urgency of committing to the revolutionary cause.
Continuous Revolutionary Preparation: Following Mao Zedong’s principle, ”The revolution is not a dinner party,” we are reminded that true commitment to communism requires continuous ideological cultivation and internal transformation. It’s not merely about external actions, but also about nurturing a heart filled with empathy, solidarity, and unwavering dedication to the collective welfare of the proletariat.
Facing Our Personal Revolutionary Reckoning: Drawing from Georgi Dimitrov’s insight, ”Unity is the mighty weapon with which the working class and the toiling masses can conquer the forces of darkness,” we comprehend the significance of personal dedication and ideological steadfastness. This means consistently fueling our revolutionary consciousness with the teachings of dialectical materialism, which implores us to understand the world not as static but as ever-changing, driven by conflicting forces. The essential self-reflection here is our readiness to not only comprehend but also contribute to the dialectical process, actively engaging in the class struggle and embodying the spirit of proletarian revolution in our actions and thoughts.
Aspiration for a Communist Society: Reflecting on Palmiro Togliatti’s perspective, ”The objective of socialism is not only to end exploitation but to build a new world,” we focus on the goal of a communist society starting with the self. This aim goes beyond merely toppling the existing capitalist framework; it encompasses the creation of a world where equality, justice, and collective well-being are not lofty ideals but tangible realities. This involves internal transformation where each individual aligns themselves with the principles of Marxism-Leninism, fostering an environment where the welfare of all is central, and every contribution towards this end is valued and celebrated until the last breath.