"If our generation happens to be too weak to establish Socialism over the earth, we will hand the spotless banner down to our children. The struggle which is in the offing transcends by far the importance of individuals, factions and parties. It is the struggle for the future of all mankind. It will be severe, it will be lengthy. Whoever seeks physical comfort and spiritual calm let him step aside. In time of reaction it is more convenient to lean on the bureaucracy than on the truth. But all those for whom the word 'Socialism' is not a hollow sound but the content of their moral life - forward! Neither threats nor persecutions nor violations can stop us! Be it even over our bleaching bones the future will triumph! We will blaze the trail for it. It will conquer! Under all the severe blows of fate, I shall be happy as in the best days of my youth; because, my friends, the highest human happiness is not the exploitation of the present but the preparation of the future."
by:
Leon Trotsky
[Lev Davidovich Bronstein] (1879-1940) Bolshevik revolutionary and Marxist theorist
Source:
I Stake My Life
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Reader comments about this quote:
Why is a committed collectivist like Trotsky being quoted in "liberty quotes?'
 -- Wendell, Juneau     
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    Socialism/communism is truthfully a slavery to "the State" --- the slavemasters who must control/exploit everyone by suppressing their rights to liberty and free enterprise.
     -- Gary Mead, Tujunga, CA     
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    Didn't Waffler just paraphrase this quote the other day as to what liberals are and believe (at least he himself as a liberal) ? hmm 5 stars for accuracy and thumbs down for the fulfillment in a once free state (USA).
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    This is the mantra of your enemy America.The battle cry of trained hamsters.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    Wendell, this quote reminds us that the termites are still at it and intend to destroy our freedoms. And they get plenty of help from the Hope and Change crowd.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    "Spotless banner"? Are you kidding me? The socialist banner is covered in blood. Isn't their favorite slogan these days "Eat the Rich"? The problem with the prols is that after they have been exploited by the elitist social planners, they must 'eat each other.' Socialism is perpetual war among the people over each others' property and labors in the name of 'fairness.' It is a religion of power always making promises it cannot keep, and the poorer classes merely provide the rope with which to hang themselves. Socialism promises the end to classes, yet creates a powerful centralized ruling class that completely mimicks monarchy and aristrocracy. The republican model of government is the real protector of the common man, and is designed to distribute power -- the only drawback (for some) is that they will have to produce something of value in this life -- the benefit of which the comman man/woman may keep and distribute as they see fit. Live free or die.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    A socialist is someone who reads Marx and Lenin, and hangs their hopes on empty promises. A capitalist is someone who trully understands Marx and Lenin, and gets as far from this "sharing of misery" as possible.
     -- Publius     
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    Socialism is just indentured servititude to the government. Individuals are nothing more than human livestock, the ruling elite keep all the riches and hand back what they believe the masses need to live. A failed method of government based on an immoral foundation.
     -- J. Allen, Arlington, Va     
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    Socialism:

    The religion of the irreligious fanatic.
     -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill     
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    That, is scary; but seen in hindsight, understandable from a historical perspective. The parallel of altruism being the garb of totalitarianism has held true. Proceeding on principle ignores the necessity (ability) to change (adapt). Reality, in multiplicity is cacophonous. A chorus of individuals is an oxymoron. Socialism requires as much subjugation of individuality as a dictatorship. Please, do not impose upon me your ideological resolve.
     -- John Shuttleworth, New York City     
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     -- Robert, Somewhere in the US      
    Puttin's movement of a belief system, ancient doctrines, that bear witness through self evidence. As he embraces Orthodox Christianity, now, in a unified effort to meet us in the middle. Doctrines, seemingly apposed to one another. Yet greatly at odds. Excellent quote, Belief is fluid, and moves, as in a field of information, spirituality, exposing unseen forces. Doctrines of "welfare" and "liberty." held in common through the binding of language and its spiritual form spoken in many tongues. "welfare" is good if bound through the freewill collection system of individuals At Liberty. Otherwise, socialism "welfare" is found as oppression, for those at liberty. Peter bears chains, as Paul sets one free. one is "found from" the other "from before." Revealing a mystery hidden from before the foundation. That predates the big bang spiritually and physically in order to be found at harmony with natural laws and that which sets one nation up, over another in word and deed. one could say socialism is found in the common court of oppression and not behind the veil, being set at Liberty as individuals. starvation is a good motivator for socialist intent.
     -- Ronw13, OR     
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