Neither of us cares a straw for popularity. A proof of this is for example, that, because of aversion to any personality cult, I have never permitted the numerous expressions of appreciation from various countries with which I was pestered during the existence of the International to reach the realm of publicity, and have never answered them, except occasionally by a rebuke. When Engels and I first joined the secret Communist Society we made it a condition that everything tending to encourage superstitious belief in authority was to be removed from the statutes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We reject popularity and personality cults, refusing public praise and superstitious authority.
- In plain terms
- We avoid fame and reject any cult of personality.
- What can you take from it?
- Value humility and reject authority based on personal reverence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is public recognition useful?
- How to balance humility with influence?
Another view
May limit beneficial public engagement.
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