Literature and Revolution Quotes

“Learning carries within itself certain dangers because out of necessity one has to learn from one's enemies.”
― Leon Trotsky, Literature and Revolution

“It is unquestionably true that the need for art is not created by economic conditions. But neither is the need for food created by economics. On the contrary, the need for food and warmth creates economics.”
― Leon Trotsky, Literature and Revolution

“The Formalist school represents an abortive idealism applied to the question of art. The Formalists show a fast ripening religiousness. They are followers of Saint John. They believe that "In the beginning was the Word." But we believe that in the beginning was the deed. The word followed, as its phonetic shadow.”
― Leon Trotsky, Literature and Revolution

“It is very true that one cannot always go by the principles of Marxism in deciding whether to reject or to accept a work of art. A work of art should, in the first place, be judged by its own law, that is, by the law of art. But Marxism alone can explain why and how a given tendency in art has originated in a given period of history; in other words, who it was who made a demand for such an artistic form and not for another, and why.”
― Leon Trotsky, Literature and Revolution