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About this quote

What does it mean?
Revolutionaries often seek to take over existing systems rather than dismantle them, which is seen as a recurring flaw.
In plain terms
Revolutionaries usually want to run the old system instead of destroying it.
What can you take from it?
Revolutionaries often become the new establishment.

Where it applies

  • political movements
  • organizational change
  • leadership roles

Putting it to work

  • renew systems without co-opting
  • focus on structural reform

Questions to consider

  • Does change require taking power?
  • Can you change a system from within?

Another view

Sometimes taking over is necessary to change things.

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