return to list of latest ideas

Single Idea 24305

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

Full Idea

The dictatorship of the proletariat only constitutes no more than a transition to the abolition of all classes and to a classless society.

Gist of Idea

The dictatorship of the proletariat is just a transition stage to a classless society

Source

Karl Marx (Collected works (w Engels) - 50 vols [1860], Vol 39:62-5 letter), quoted by Jaime Edwards/Brian Leiter - Marx 3.0

A Reaction

The authors note that the Roman 'dictatura' was an office granted powers for up to six months. The concept seems to have been abused in the Soviet Union, where the power was both sustained and ruthless.

Book Reference

Edwards,J/Leiter,B: 'Marx' [Routledge 2025], p.57