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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author claims Stalin's rise showed the mediocrity of the party apparatus.
In plain terms
Stalin becoming leader proves the system was average and undistinguished.
What can you take from it?
Leadership selection can reveal flaws in the organization.

Where it applies

  • party politics
  • organizational analysis

Putting it to work

  • leadership critique
  • historical analysis

Questions to consider

  • How do systems choose leaders?
  • Does leadership reflect organizational quality?

Another view

One person's rise does not prove total mediocrity.

More from Leon Trotsky

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