The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism

by Bertrand Russell

There is no other civilized country where capitalism is so strong and revolutionary Socialism so weak as in America.

Self-government in industry is, I believe, the road by which England can best approach Communism.

I would go so far as to say that the winning of self-government in such industries as railways and mining is an essential preliminary to complete Communism.

Capitalists value two things, their power and their money; many individuals among them value only the money.

it is a great misfortune if, from a confusion of ideas, men come to think that, because Parliaments are imperfect, there is no reason why there should be self-government.

If Communism is to have a fair chance, it must be inaugurated in a prosperous country. But a prosperous country will not be readily moved by the arguments of hatred and universal upheaval which are employed by the Third International.

It is necessary, in appealing to a prosperous country, to lay stress on hope rather than despair, and to show how the transition can be effected without a calamitous loss of prosperity.

To find fault with those who urge these considerations, or to accuse them of faint-heartedness, is mere sentimental self-indulgence, sacrificing the good we can do to the satisfaction of our own emotions.

it is possible still to feel the inspiration of the essential spirit of Communism, the spirit of creative hope,

Russian Communism may fail and go under, but Communism itself will not die.