The paradox of communism in power was that it was conservative.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Communism in power often acted to preserve the status quo rather than change it.
- In plain terms
- When communists took power, they kept things the same.
- What can you take from it?
- Ideologies can become conservative when in control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did a movement become rigid?
Another view
Some argue communism still aimed at reform.
More from Eric Hobsbawm
Human beings are not efficiently designed for a capitalist system of production.
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
Conformity is one of the nihilistic temptations of rebellion which dominate a large part of our intellectual history. It demonstrates how the rebel who takes t…
Albert CamusAlbert Camus quote #118 During the last 100 years, the House of Lords has never contributed one iota to popular liberties or popular freedom, or done anything to advance the common we…
Joseph ChamberlainJoseph Chamberlain quote #1 Ces deux moities de Dieu, le pape et l'empereur!
Victor HugoVictor Hugo quote #1