Single Idea 21990

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / c. Revolution]

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 Reference

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.