The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism · Chapter
Mechanism and the Individual explained
Russell argues that the fundamental evil of the modern world is the sacrifice of the individual to the machine, whether under capitalism or Bolshevism.
What happens
Russell argues that the fundamental evil of the modern world is the sacrifice of the individual to the machine, whether under capitalism or Bolshevism. He contends that inequality of power, not merely inequality of wealth, is the greatest political evil, and that lasting reform requires gradual, peaceful change rather than violent revolution. He critiques Bolshevik methods for concentrating power and neglecting individual freedom, and advocates for a society that values education, leisure, and the diffusion of power.
Themes in this chapter
Individual vs. State
Central theme: Russell argues that both capitalism and Bolshevism sacrifice individual freedom to the machine of state or industry.
Power and Dictatorship
Russell critiques the concentration of power under Bolshevik dictatorship and warns against its perpetuation.
Hope vs. Reality
Russell contrasts the idealist hopes for revolution with the grim reality of oppression and loss of freedom.
Methods of Transition to Socialism
Russell argues against violent revolution and for gradual, peaceful reform to achieve a just society.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The graver evils of the capitalist system all arise from its uneven distribution of power.”
The most serious problems of capitalism stem from the unequal distribution of power.
Russell identifies power imbalance as the root cause of capitalist evils.
“It is this sacrifice of the individual to the machine that is the fundamental evil of the modern world.”
The core problem of modern society is the subordination of individual freedom to large-scale organizations.
Russell defines the central issue of the chapter.
“I should deny that this is likely to be cured by the class-war and the dictatorship of the Communist party.”
Russell rejects the idea that class struggle and Communist dictatorship can solve the problem of power inequality.
Russell's critique of Bolshevik methods.