The leadership has failed. Even so, the leadership can and must be recreated from the masses and out of the masses. The masses are the decisive element, they are the rock on which the final victory of the revolution will be built. The masses were on the heights; they have developed this 'defeat' into one of the historical defeats which are the pride and strength of international socialism. And that is why the future victory will bloom from this 'defeat'. 'Order reigns in Berlin!' You stupid henchmen! Your 'order' is built on sand. Tomorrow the revolution will already 'raise itself with a rattle' and announce with fanfare, to your terror: I was, I am, I will be!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luxemburg argues that true leadership comes from the masses, and even defeats can become sources of strength and future victory for socialism.
- In plain terms
- She says the masses are the key to victory and that even defeat can build future strength.
- What can you take from it?
- Revolutionary strength comes from the people, not just leaders.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do movements turn defeat into strength?
- Who truly leads a revolution?
Another view
Relying on masses without structured leadership can lead to disorganization.
More from Rosa Luxemburg
The modern proletarian class doesn't carry out its struggle according to a plan set out in some book or theory; the modern workers' struggle is a part of histo…
Permalink to quote #2 What is our task in the question of peace? It does not consist merely in vigorously demonstrating at all times the love of peace of the Social Democrats; but f…
Permalink to quote #4 Bourgeois class domination is undoubtedly an historical necessity, but, so too, the rising of the working class against it. Capital is an historical necessity,…
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
By the Revolution the Germans have made themselves pariahs among the nations, incapable of winning allies, helots in the service of foreigners and foreign capi…
Erich LudendorffErich Ludendorff quote #1 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 e…
Benjamin TuckerBenjamin Tucker quote #1 The economic prerequisites for the socialist revolution are fully matured in the US. The political premises are likewise far more advanced than might appear on…
James P. CannonJames P. Cannon quote #2