There are few twentieth century political figures as controversial as Leon Trotsky. A co-founder of the Russian Communist party, he was exiled from the Soviet Union in 1929 and spent the rest of his life in exile, first in Turkey and later Mexico. His disagreements with Joseph Stalin led to his assassination in 1940. This, however, has not stopped Trotsky from becoming one of the most influential voices in communist theory. In this quotes compilation, we will explore the life and work of one of history’s most fascinating figures.
Discover the strongest Struggle, Union, Revolution, History, Force quotes from Leon Trotsky, and much more.
Political Party: Russian Social Democratic Labour Party
LEON TROTSKY QUOTES ON REVOLUTION
Revolutions are always verbose. — Leon Trotsky
Once again, he who ignores the problems of revolutionary strategy would do better not to talk about revolutions at all. — Leon Trotsky
It is also false that the revolution ripens and comes to development only in the national soil. — Leon Trotsky
Vladimir] Lenin died in January, 1924; three months later [Joseph] Stalin expounded in writing Lenin’s conception of the proletarian revolution. — Leon Trotsky
Joseph] Stalin closes the exposition of these [Leon Trotsky] ideas with the words, ‘Such are in general the characteristic features of [Vladimir] Lenin’s conception of the proletarian revolution. — Leon Trotsky
What shall we call an ‘immediate possibility’? In 1923 the situation in Germany was profoundly revolutionary, but what was lacking for a victorious revolution was a correct strategy. — Leon Trotsky
Let us not forget that revolutions are accomplished through people, although they be nameless. Materialism does not ignore the feeling, thinking, and acting man, but explains him. — Leon Trotsky
A revolution is always distinguished by impoliteness, probably because the ruling classes did not take the trouble in good season to teach the people fine manners. — Leon Trotsky
It is quite clear that the German and Chinese revolutions in case of victory would have changed the face of Europe and Asia, and perhaps of the whole world. — Leon Trotsky
The revolution has its own laws: in the period of its culmination it pushes the most highly developed, determined and far–seeing stratum of the revolutionary class to the most advanced positions. — Leon Trotsky
The dynamic of revolutionary events is directly determined by swift, intense, and passionate changes in the psychology of classes which have already formed themselves before the revolution. — Leon Trotsky
Not believing in force is the same as Not believing in gravitation. — Leon Trotsky
Where force is necessary, there it must be applied boldly, decisively and completely. — Leon Trotsky
The motive force of history is truth and not lies. — Leon Trotsky
Only in the Fall of 1924 did [Joseph] Stalin discover that it is especially Russia, as distinguished from other countries, which can by its own forces build up a socialist society. — Leon Trotsky
Where force is necessary, there it must be applied boldly, decisively and completely. But one must know the limitations of force; one must know when to blend force with a maneuver, a blow with an agreement. — Leon Trotsky
The historic ascent of humanity, taken as a whole, may be summarized as a succession of victories of consciousness over blind forces–in nature, in society, in man himself. — Leon Trotsky
What was Leon Trotsky’s role in the October Revolution?
Leon Trotsky—once a vocal critic of Lenin and the Bolshevik Party—joined the Bolsheviks in August 1917.
Trotsky quickly rose to a position of power in the party: just before the October Revolution, he was elected to the Bolshevik Central Committee.
During the revolution, Trotsky oversaw Soviet military operations in Petrograd, the capital of the Russian Empire.
By early November, Trotsky had all but sacked the capital city.
On November 13, ousted liberal politician Aleksandr Kerensky tried to retake Petrograd with loyal troops.
Kerensky’s forces met Trotsky’s at the Battle of Pulkovo. Trotsky defeated Kerensky, and the Bolsheviks achieved total control of Petrograd. Source
Fascism is nothing but capitalist reaction… — Leon Trotsky
LEON TROTSKY QUOTES ON STRUGGLE
In a serious struggle there is no worse cruelty than to be magnanimous at an Inopportune time. — Leon Trotsky
He who thinks of renouncing ‘physical’ struggle must renounce all struggle, for the spirit does not live without the flesh. — Leon Trotsky
Redundant Thematics
In Leon Trotsky Statements
struggle
party
bureaucracy
union
victory
revolution
soviet
history
force
Simultaneously the Left Opposition in the course of several years carried on a struggle against the Stalinists in favor of collectivization. — Leon Trotsky
You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you. — Leon Trotsky
LEON TROTSKY QUOTES ON HISTORY
The revenge of history is more powerful than the revenge of the most powerful General Secretary. — Leon Trotsky
The history of a revolution is for us first of all a history of the forcible entrance of the masses into the realm of rulership over their own destiny. — Leon Trotsky
You are pitiful isolated individuals; you are bankrupts; your role is played out. Go where you belong from now on–into the dustbin of history! — Leon Trotsky
Look back at history–those who guided the revolution in the time of its culmination never kept their leading positions long after the turning point. — Leon Trotsky
LEON TROTSKY QUOTES ON UNION
In spite of the existence of the Soviet Union, however, the proletarian revolution during the past years has not recorded a victory in any other country. — Leon Trotsky
The creative union of the conscious with the unconscious is what one usually calls ‘inspiration.’ — Leon Trotsky
It is therefore not true that the mere existence of the Soviet Union is capable of assuring the victory of the revolution in other countries. — Leon Trotsky
That the existence of the Soviet Union has an international revolutionary significance is a commonplace equally recognized by friends and foes. — Leon Trotsky
The Soviet Union needs thinking and critical friends, such as are capable not only of singing hymns in the hours of success, but of not shrinking in the hour of defeat and danger. — Leon Trotsky
