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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lenin lists pairs of concepts to show how idealism stems from certain philosophical errors.
In plain terms
He says idealism comes from mixing opposite ideas.
What can you take from it?
Watch for contradictory thinking that can distort reality.

Where it applies

  • academic debate
  • political theory

Putting it to work

  • critique philosophical doctrine
  • educational lectures

Questions to consider

  • What assumptions underlie idealism?
  • How do these contradictions affect practice?

Another view

The claim is vague and assumes agreement on complex terms.

More from Vladimir Lenin

  1. A full 'definition of an object must include the whole of human experience, both as a criterion of truth and a practical indicator of its connection with human…

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  2. For any truth, if overdone (as Dietzgen Senior put it), if exaggerated, or if carried beyond the limits of its applicability, can be reduced to absurdity.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. History is moving in zig-zags and by roundabout ways.

    Permalink to quote #11

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