Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Lunatcharsky’s Declaration explained
Lunatcharsky, as Commissar of Public Education, appeals to the people to protect Russia's artistic and scientific treasures during the violent struggle for power, expressing both despair over the damage to Moscow and hope for a future socia
What happens
Lunatcharsky, as Commissar of Public Education, appeals to the people to protect Russia's artistic and scientific treasures during the violent struggle for power, expressing both despair over the damage to Moscow and hope for a future socialist culture. He resigns but is persuaded to stay, urging support to preserve the nation's beauty for future generations.
Themes in this chapter
Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
Lunatcharsky addresses the 'young masters of the country,' urging workers to take responsibility for protecting cultural and scientific assets as part of building a new socialist society.
Characters to notice
- Anatoly Lunacharsky
Commissar of Public Education who resigns in protest over damage to cultural treasures but is convinced to remain at his post.
Key passages
“Comrades! You are the young masters of the country, and although now you have much to do and think about, you must know how to defend your artistic and scientific treasures.”
Lunatcharsky calls on the workers, as the new rulers, to safeguard the nation's art and science despite their many other duties.
Emphasizes the role of the proletariat as custodians of culture.
“That which is happening at Moscow is a horrible, irreparable misfortune. … The People in its struggle for the power has mutilated our glorious capital.”
He laments the destruction of Moscow as a tragic consequence of the people's fight for power.
Reflects the physical and cultural cost of the revolution.
“Only the hope of the victory of Socialism, the source of a new and superior culture, brings me comfort.”
His only solace is the belief that socialism will eventually give rise to a greater culture.
Connects revolutionary struggle to future cultural flourishing.
“Not being able to remain at my post, where I had no influence, I resigned. My comrades, the other Commissars, considered this resignation inadmissible. I shall therefore remain at my post.”
Feeling powerless, he resigned, but the other Commissars rejected his resignation, so he stays.
Highlights internal conflict and collective decision-making among Bolshevik leaders.
“But I beg you, comrades, to give me your support. … Preserve for yourselves and your descendants the beauty of our land; be the guardians of the property of the People.”
He pleads for public assistance in protecting the country's beauty and cultural property for future generations.
Appeal to collective responsibility and long-term vision.
“Soon, very soon, even the most ignorant, who have been held in ignorance so long, will awake and understand what a source of joy, strength and wisdom is art.”
He predicts that even the uneducated will soon realize the value of art as a source of joy, strength, and wisdom.
Expresses optimism about cultural enlightenment under socialism.