The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism · Chapter
General Characteristics explained
Russell contrasts the Western socialist understanding of Bolshevik theory with its literal application in Russia, describing the fanatical dedication and ruthlessness of the Communist Party.
What happens
Russell contrasts the Western socialist understanding of Bolshevik theory with its literal application in Russia, describing the fanatical dedication and ruthlessness of the Communist Party. He draws historical parallels to Cromwell's Puritans and Plato's Republic, analyzes the international revolutionary aims of the Third International, and reflects on the nationalist sentiment bolstered by the Polish war, as seen in Trotsky's public appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Bolshevism as a Religion
Bolshevik fanaticism is compared to early Muslim successors and Puritan soldiers, with Marx's predestination creating a quasi-religious certainty.
Fanaticism and Cruelty
Communists are described as austere and ruthless, crushing opposition without mercy, employing Tsarist police methods.
Power and Dictatorship
The dictatorship of the proletariat is literal, with the Communist Party holding sole power and enjoying privileges; power alters Communist theories.
Individual vs. State
The individual is subordinated to the state, with Communists sacrificing personal comfort for the revolution, yet enjoying advantages over ordinary citizens.
Characters to notice
- Lenin
Described as a non-proletarian Communist who holds the right opinions; Russell recounts Lenin's view on a Labour Government in England and his willingness to sacrifice Russia for the revolution.
- Trotsky
Seen at the Opera in Moscow, standing with folded arms, calling for cheers for the Red Army; embodies nationalist sentiment.
- Plato
His Republic is used as a parallel to the Bolshevik regime, with the Communist Party likened to the guardians.
- Marx
His theory of predestined Communism is cited as influencing Bolshevik fanaticism and international policy.
Key passages
“When a Russian Communist speaks of dictatorship, he means the word literally, but when he speaks of the proletariat, he means the word in a Pickwickian sense.”
For a Russian Communist, 'dictatorship' is taken literally, while 'proletariat' is used loosely to mean only the party faithful.
Russell highlights the semantic gap between Western and Bolshevik interpretations.
“The sincere Communists (and all the older members of the party have proved their sincerity by years of persecution) are not unlike the Puritan soldiers in their stern politico-moral purpose.”
Older Communists, proven by past persecution, resemble Puritan soldiers in their stern moral and political drive.
Russell draws a historical parallel to Cromwell's Puritans.
“Lenin told me that he hopes to see a Labour Government in England, and would wish his supporters to work for it, but solely in order that the futility of Parliamentarism may be conclusively demonstrated to the British working man.”
Lenin said he wanted a Labour Government in England only to show British workers that parliamentary politics are useless.
Russell recounts Lenin's tactical view of parliamentary democracy.