It is obvious that a whiteguard insurrection is being prepared in Nizhni. You must strain every effort, appoint three men will) dictatorial powers (yourself, Markin and one other), organise immediately mass terror, shoot and deport the hundreds of prostitutes who are making drunkards of the soldiers, former officers and the like.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lenin calls for a violent crackdown on perceived enemies, including mass terror and deportations, to prevent an insurrection.
- In plain terms
- He urges harsh, authoritarian measures against those he sees as threats.
- What can you take from it?
- Use extreme force to suppress dissent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is violence ever justified to maintain power?
Another view
Such extreme measures violate human rights and can provoke further resistance.
More from Vladimir Lenin
'Am sure that the crushing of the Kazan Czechs and whiteguards, as well as of the kulak extortioners supporting them, will be exemplarily ruthless.'
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Permalink to quote #71 It is true that liberty is precious-so precious that it must be rationed.
Permalink to quote #68
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