Vladimir Lenin

Leader of Russian Revolution

Modern influential 172 sayings

Sayings by Vladimir Lenin

The advanced detachment of the proletariat is a vanguard that is capable of leading the entire mass of the working people, and not merely of pushing them forward.

1902 — What Is To Be Done?
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.

1917 — The State and Revolution (quoting Marx and Engels)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

circa 1917-1922 — Attributed, though its direct origin is debated, it reflects a Machiavellian approach to propaganda.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The victory of socialism in all countries of the world is inevitable.

1917 — Speech to the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Religion is the opium of the people.

1905 — Socialism and Religion (quoting Marx)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We shall shatter all the old laws and institutions, all the old traditions and customs, and we shall create new ones.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, reflecting his revolutionary zeal.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Learning is light, ignorance is darkness.

circa 1917-1922 — Attributed, a common proverb he often used.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A revolution is a serious business.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, a pragmatic view of the revolutionary process.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The important thing is to keep the initiative.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, reflecting his strategic thinking.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The goal of revolution is to seize power and hold it.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, a direct statement on the objective of revolutionary action.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest danger is to lose contact with the masses.

circa 1917-1922 — Attributed, emphasizing the importance of popular support.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We need to dream.

1902 — What Is To Be Done?
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The working class is revolutionary or it is nothing.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, emphasizing the active role of the proletariat.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

History knows all sorts of metamorphoses. Relying on the reliability of one's convictions, on the honesty of one's intentions, on the sincerity of one's declarations — this is not a serious attitude to politics.

1922 — Letter to the Congress
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must not forget that a communist is not only a fighter, but also a builder.

1920 — Speech, 'The Tasks of the Youth Leagues'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If we want to achieve victory, we must learn to combine the most ruthless revolutionary methods with the most cautious and pragmatic approach.

circa 1917-1922 — Attributed, reflecting his blend of radicalism and pragmatism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The best way to celebrate the anniversary of the October Revolution is to consolidate its gains and to prepare new victories.

1918 — Speech, 'On the Anniversary of the Revolution'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The working class is the only class that can truly lead the revolution.

1917 — The State and Revolution
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The party is the mind, honor, and conscience of our epoch.

circa 1917-1920 — Attributed, though the exact wording and context can vary, it captures a core idea.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must learn, learn, and learn again.

1920 — Speech, 'The Tasks of the Youth Leagues'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable