My Disillusionment in Russia · Chapter
Another Visit to Peter Kropotkin explained
The narrator visits Peter Kropotkin again, this time in summer, and finds him healthier and more spirited.
What happens
The narrator visits Peter Kropotkin again, this time in summer, and finds him healthier and more spirited. They discuss the failures of the Bolshevik regime, the betrayal of revolutionary ideals, the importance of the masses in reconstruction, and the need for anarcho-syndicalism and cooperatives. Kropotkin reassures the narrator about the Revolution's deeper significance despite its current distortions.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
Kropotkin argues that the Bolsheviks have discredited every revolutionary ideal, stifled initiative, and created a parasitic bureaucracy.
State Power vs. Individual Freedom
The centralized State created by the Bolsheviks suppresses cultural forces, destroys cooperatives, and terrorizes the people.
Ethics and Revolutionary Means
Kropotkin condemns the Bolsheviks' Jesuitic motto that 'the end justifies the means', arguing their means have paralyzed the masses.
The Role of the Intelligentsia
Kropotkin emphasizes the need for the masses' direct participation in reconstruction, criticizing the Bolsheviks for suppressing cultural forces.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Visits Kropotkin again, shares doubts about the Revolution, and finds comfort in Kropotkin's wisdom.
- Peter Kropotkin
Appears healthier and more spirited in summer; discusses the Bolsheviks' betrayal of revolutionary ideals, the need for mass participation, and the value of anarcho-syndicalism.
- Sasha Kropotkin
Sent provisions for her father via the narrator.
- Zinoviev
Mentioned in contrast to Kropotkin's simple quarters, as having 'gorgeous quarters'.
- Karl Radek
Mentioned in contrast to Kropotkin's simple quarters, as having 'gorgeous quarters'.
Key passages
“Once in power they began to stem the tide. They have been trying to eliminate and suppress the cultural forces of the country not entirely in agreement with their ideas and methods.”
After gaining power, the Bolsheviks suppressed cultural forces that disagreed with them.
Kropotkin's critique of Bolshevik cultural suppression.
“They created a bureaucracy and officialdom which surpasses even that of the old regime.”
The Bolshevik bureaucracy is worse than the Tsarist one.
Kropotkin's observation on the new state apparatus.
“The Bolsheviki were the Jesuits of the Socialist Church: they believed in the Jesuitic motto that the end justifies the means.”
The Bolsheviks, like Jesuits, believe any means are justified to achieve their political ends.
Kropotkin's moral condemnation of Bolshevik tactics.
“I consider the Russian Revolution even greater than the French, for it has struck deeper into the soul of Russia, into the hearts and minds of the Russian people.”
The Russian Revolution is more profound than the French Revolution because it has deeply affected the Russian people's consciousness.
Kropotkin's enduring faith in the Revolution's significance.