Skip to content
quotesby

To carry on a war for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie, a war which is a hundred times more difficult, protracted and complex than the most stubborn of ordinary wars between states, and to renounce in advance any change of tack, or any utilization of a conflict of interests (even if temporary) among one's enemies, or any conciliation or compromise with possible allies (even if they are temporary, unstable, vacillating, or conditional allies)-is that not ridiculous in the extreme?'

Vladimir Lenin#40

PoliticsRevolutionIdeologyStrategyWarBourgeoisie

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lenin argues that trying to wage a war to overthrow the global bourgeoisie is absurdly difficult and that refusing any tactical flexibility makes it even more ridiculous.
In plain terms
A war to topple capitalism is far harder than regular wars and needs flexible tactics.
What can you take from it?
Strategic flexibility is essential in revolutionary struggles.

Where it applies

  • planning a revolution
  • political negotiation
  • military campaign

Putting it to work

  • adopt flexible tactics
  • form temporary alliances
  • reassess goals

Questions to consider

  • When is compromise justified in a revolutionary context?
  • How can flexibility be balanced with ideological purity?

Another view

Lenin’s view may underestimate the risks of compromising core principles.

More from Vladimir Lenin

  1. And, indeed, there could not be any other grouping among our students, because they are the most responsive section of the intelligentsia, and the intelligents…

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. One cannot live in society and be free from society

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. As long as the bourgeois parliament remains a means of duping the workers, and phrases about 'democracy' are used to cover up financial swindling and every kin…

    Permalink to quote #38

Related quotes

  1. There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile for us to continue talking peace and non-violence - against a government whose only reply is savag…

    Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela quote #1
  2. We are Communist, you are Capitalist. You have your ideas, we have ours. But I tell you this much: many American generals are very often sorry that they have n…

    Rodion MalinovskyRodion Malinovsky quote #1
  3. We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static war. Wherever the allies concentrate their forces they will break through. For us there can be no questio…

    Gerd von RundstedtGerd von Rundstedt quote #2