Single Idea 5290

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 9. Communism]

Full Idea

The class making a revolution appears from the very start, if only because it is opposed to a 'class', not as a class but as the representative of the whole of society.

Gist of Idea

The revolutionary class is opposed to 'class', and represents all of society

Source

K Marx / F Engels (The German Ideology [1846], §1.B)

Book Reference

Marx,K./Engels,F.: 'The German Ideology', ed/tr. Arthur,C.J. [Lawrence and Wishart 1985], p.66


A Reaction

This appears to be the source of most of the troubles of the last 150 years. Aristotle thought a benevolent tyrant could represent all of society. It looks to me as if a representative democracy has the best chance, but control of the media is tricky.