I am naturally anti-Russian just as most Germans are. I admire their achievements in industrial fields. I was in Moscow personally. I would not be in favor of the Russian system in the western nations. I don't condemn the system - I recognize the good results that it has produced in its proper setting. But in order to be Communist, one must be a fanatic. I am very suspicious of all systems requiring fanaticism. I am convinced that the world would be a better place if people were satisfied with enough to eat and a job to keep them occupied.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author expresses suspicion of systems requiring fanaticism like Communism, though he acknowledges their industrial achievements in their native context. He believes the world improves when people have basic needs met without ideological extremism.
- In plain terms
- Fanatical systems are risky even if they work well in some places, and life is better when people have food and work without extreme ideology.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid systems that demand blind loyalty or fanaticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a system be effective without fanaticism?
- How do we distinguish achievement from ideology?
Another view
The quote reflects Cold War era biases and may overlook non-fanatic aspects of socialist movements.
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