The Foundations of Leninism Quotes

“Leninism is Marxism of the era of imperialism and the proletarian revolution. To be more exact, Leninism is the theory and tactics of the proletarian revolution in general, the theory and tactics of the dictatorship of the proletariat in particular.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Conspiracism •The trend that equates the bourgeoisie to an Illuminati-like organization, to see the workings of class society and its contradictions as the conspiratorial actions of the ruling classes rather than as historically and materially-defined processes.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Theory is the experience of the working class movement in all countries taken in its general aspect. Of course, theory becomes purposeless if it is not connected with revolutionary practices just as practice gropes in the dark if it's path is not illuminated by revolutionary theory, but theory can become a tremendous force in the working class movement if it is built up in indissoluble connection with revolutionary practice; for theory, and theory alone, can give the movement confidence, the power of orientation, and and an understanding of the interrelation of surrounding events; for it, and it alone, could help practice to realize not only how and in which direction classes are moving at the present time, but also how and in which direction they will move in the near future. None other than Lenin uttered and repeated scores of times the well-known thesis that: "without a revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement”
― Joseph Stalin, The Foundations of Leninism

“imperialism carries the contradictions of capitalism to their last bounds, to the extreme limit, beyond which revolution begins. Of these contradictions, there are three which must be regarded as the most important.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Oppose Academicism: Reassure ourselves of the revolutionary, popular character of Marxism-Leninism, engage the masses in a revolutionary education that allows the understanding of Marxism, emphasizethe importance of praxis rather than isolated theory or practice.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Oppose Conspiracism: Translate our analysis into the popular language of the masses when engaging in dialogue, work with the masses directly and openly, build ties to the localities in which one operates.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“In other words, imperialism was instrumental not only in making the revolution a practical inevitability, but also in creating favourable conditions for a direct assault on the citadels of capitalism.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Oppose Sectarianism: Engage with other groups locally when goals align, put aside petty differences for the interests and well-being of the masses, conduct oneself mannerly when others do the same, and focus on political work rather than squabbles.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Oppose Contrarianism: Take up meaningful polemics against those with whom one disagrees; show, in practice, the efficacy of one’s programs; show an openness towards other positions without compromising one’s own; oppose other’s positions only after a dedicated investigation into them.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“•To suppose organization is less important than theory, to apply the Marxist method without focusing on the revolutionary socialist implications, to over-intellectualize Marxism by focusing on its academic applications which only relate  to the few  who have received an elite education, to not attempt to translate Marxism-Leninism to common language.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“•On the other hand, to conduct oneself secretly when the conditions do not call for it, to avoid working with the non-communist masses and therefore refrain from taking a leading role in political work, to operate as an isolated clandestine organization and refuse to see the masses as the motive force of history.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Sectarianism •The trend defined by a complete refusal to conduct dialogue with other groups or work with them on small projects, following one’s own line dogmatically without striving towards one’s further education.
•To refuse conducting work with other local groups on the grounds of high theoretical differences, to refuse further investigation and cling to superficial understandings, to become an in-group rather than a mass organization.”
― Joseph Stalin, Foundations of Leninism

“Спорят о том, какой уклон представляет главную опасность...? При современных условиях это – формальный и поэтому пустой спор. Глупо было бы давать пригодный для всех времен и условий готовый рецепт о главной и неглавной опасности. Таких рецептов нет вообще в природе. Главную опасность представляет тот уклон, против которого перестали бороться и которому дали, таким образом, разрастись до государственной опасности. (Продолжительные аплодисменты.)”
― Joseph Stalin, Problems of Leninism