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Almost the only persons who may be said to comprehend even approximately the significance, principles, and purposes of Socialism are the chief leaders of the extreme wings of the Socialistic forces, and perhaps a few of the money kings themselves. It is a subject of which it has lately become quite the fashion for preacher, professor, and penny-a-liner to treat, and, for the most part, woeful work they have made with it, exciting the derision and pity of those competent to judge. That those prominent in the intermediate Socialistic divisions do not fully understand what they are about is evident from the positions they occupy.

Benjamin Tucker#1

PoliticsSocialismIdeologyLeadershipUnderstanding

About this quote

What does it mean?
True understanding of Socialism lies mostly with its leaders and critics, while many others treat it as a trend without real grasp.
In plain terms
Only top leaders and critics really get Socialism; others just follow it.
What can you take from it?
Study the principles deeply rather than following trends.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • academic study
  • activism

Putting it to work

  • read primary texts
  • question slogans
  • analyze policies

Questions to consider

  • Do you understand the systems you support?
  • Is Socialism a fashion or philosophy?

Another view

Intermediate divisions often shape policy even with incomplete understanding.

More from Benjamin Tucker

  1. The two principles referred to are Authority and Liberty, and the names of the two schools of Socialistic thought which fully and unreservedly represent one or…

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Socialism, on the contrary, extends its function to the description of society as it should be, and the discovery of the means of making it what it should be.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. First, then, State Socialism, which may be described as the doctrine that all the affairs of men should be managed by the government, regardless of individual …

    Permalink to quote #4

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