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About this quote

What does it mean?
Socialism cannot be created from a pure or untouched state; it must deal with existing conditions.
In plain terms
Socialism cannot start from a perfect place; it has to work with real things.
What can you take from it?
Ideologies must adapt to reality rather than demand purity.

Where it applies

  • political theory
  • revolution
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • accept imperfect starts
  • avoid idealism
  • work within reality

Questions to consider

  • Can any system exist without compromise?
  • Does purity matter more than results?

Another view

Purity of purpose can be necessary to maintain ideological integrity.

More from Aneurin Bevan

  1. Freedom is the by-product of economic surplus.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. If freedom is to be saved and enlarged, poverty must be ended. There is no other solution.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Man must first live before he can live abundantly.

    Permalink to quote #12

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