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Full Idea
Material force must be overthrown by material force. But theory also becomes a material force once it has gripped the masses.
Gist of Idea
Theory is as much a part of a revolution as material force is
Source
Karl Marx (Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right [1844], Intro p.69), quoted by Peter Singer - Marx 4
Book Ref
Singer,Peter: 'Marx' [OUP 1996], p.20
A Reaction
A huge problem, I think, is that every theory (even conservatism) has to be simplified in a democracy if it is to grip the imagination of the majority. My current hatred is labels in political philosophy. They give us a cartoon view of the world.
| 21991 | The middle class gain freedom through property, but workers can only free all of humanity [Marx, by Singer] |
| 7128 | Religion is the opium of the people, and real happiness requires its abolition [Marx] |
| 21990 | Theory is as much a part of a revolution as material force is [Marx] |