Quotes & anectdotes from
the wise,
the foolish,
the courageous &
the drunk

Vladimir Lenin Philosopher

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: Soviet Union
  • Born: Apr 22, 1870
  • Died: Jan 21, 1924

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, alias Lenin was a Russian communist revolutionary, politician and political theorist. He served as head of government of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic from 1917, and of the Soviet Union from 1922 until his death. Under his administration, the Russian Empire was replaced by the Soviet Union; all wealth including land, industry and business was nationalized. Based in Marxism, his political theories are known as Leninism.

Born to a wealthy middle-class family in Simbirsk, Lenin gained an interest in revolutionary leftist politics following the execution of his brother Aleksandr in 1887. Expelled from Kazan State University for participating in anti-Tsarist protests, he devoted the following years to a law degree and to radical politics, becoming a Marxist. In 1893 he moved to St Petersburg, and became a senior figure in the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. Arrested for sedition and exiled to Siberia for three years, he married Nadezhda Krupskaya, and fled to Western Europe, where he became known as a prominent party theorist.

There are no morals in politics there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel.

No amount of political freedom will satisfy the hungry masses.

Sometimes - history needs a push.

It is impossible to predict the time and progress of revolution. It is governed by its own more or less mysterious laws.

While the State exists there can be no freedom when there is freedom there will be no State.

The government is tottering. We must deal it the death blow an any cost. To delay action is the same as death.

Freedom in capitalist society always remains about the same as it was in ancient Greek republics: Freedom for slave owners.

A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

When there is state there can be no freedom, but when there is freedom there will be no state.

To rely upon conviction, devotion, and other excellent spiritual qualities that is not to be taken seriously in politics.

The history of all countries shows that the working class exclusively by its own effort is able to develop only trade-union consciousness.

Politics begin where the masses are, not where there are thousands, but where there are millions, that is where serious politics begin.

Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country.

The best way to destroy the capitalist system is to debauch the currency.