As part of a look into the life of Nikolai Bukharin I want to analyze some of his writings. As a prominent figure in the early history of the Soviet Union his thoughts will provide some insights into the appeal of Marxist theory. I will begin my reading with the ABC of Communism. I will begin with Bukharin because he experienced the heights of power, exile from leadership, and ultimately execution. I also selected Bukharin because he has been labeled “the golden boy of the revolution” and one of the great theorist of communism. The ABC of Communism has also been referred to by some as the communist bible.
With that short introduction let’s begin our analysis of the ABC of Communism which was originally published in 1920, with the first English edition published in 1922. I will record my thoughts as I read so I do not know what will be written next.
The Dedication
From the dedication of this book Bukharin outlines his vision of the proletariat which includes heroism, class-consciousness, and “its deadly hatred for capitalism, and its splendid impulse towards the creation of a new society.”
When an active participant in the Russian Revolution speaks about deadly hatred it carries additional weight. I found the word choice “splendid impulse” interesting when describing the creation of a new society. Written another way it is a magnificent sudden strong and unreflective urge to create a new society.
Creating a new society should be a deliberate action taken after careful consideration not as an impulse. It is also an appeal to your feelings. Don’t stop to think about your actions just strike out with deadly hatred to create this new society.
Bukharin is endorsing violence. Bukharin is encouraging the proletariat to impulsively kill their class-enemies and as a reward they will be viewed as heroes. It is important to note that this book was published during the midst of the Russian Civil War.
The dedication ends with references to warriors and martyrs, those who have been tortured, shot or hung. Bukharin is clearly acknowledging the cost in human lives to waging a revolution.
The Preface
The preface explains the purpose for the book and outlines it fairly well. The authors note:
“The ABC of Communism should, in our opinion, be an elementary textbook of communist knowledge. Daily experience of propagandists and agitators has convinced us of the urgent need for such a textbook.”
I find the terminology interesting. There is clearly a different role for propagandists and agitators. I hope further explanation between the roles of both is addressed later in the book.
The authors further explain:
“Every comrade who takes up this book should read it all through, so that he may acquire an idea of the aims and tasks of communism.”
When outlining potential flaws and shortcomings of the book the authors note that it was written in haste due to its necessity and also notes how the manuscript was almost destroyed in a bombing to explain why any errors may occur in the book.
The next part of this series will begin with the introduction.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Lessons From the Jackal will return next week. Based on the first five days are there any thoughts you want to share? Are there any changes you would like to see? What do you like most about the course? What do you like least? Any feedback would be great as a finalize the next lessons in the series.
Five days ago, we began with a simple question: How do you measure potential?
Over the course of this week, Sydney Carton has challenged us to reconsider what potential really means.
We met a man whose careless appearance concealed remarkable intelligence. We watched him make observations that others overlooked, only to receive little recognition for his contributions.
We discovered a man who recognized in Charles Darnay a reflection of what he might have become, yet seemed unwilling or unable to pursue that possibility.
We examined his relationship with Mr. Stryver and considered what it means to become a jackal: someone who possesses the ability to contribute to another person’s success while neglecting the pursuit of his own.
Finally, we learned that Carton’s habits began long before his professional career. Even as a schoolboy, he devoted his abilities to completing the work of others while neglecting his own.
Carton attributes some of his disappointments to bad luck. Perhaps circumstances have indeed worked ...
