What Is to Be Done?

1. Freedom of Criticism: A Trojan Horse for Opportunism

“...“freedom of criticism” means freedom for an opportunist trend in Social-Democracy, freedom to convert Social-Democracy into a democratic party of reform, freedom to introduce bourgeois ideas and bourgeois elements into socialism.”

Deceptive Slogan. The call for "freedom of criticism," while seemingly innocuous, is often a smokescreen for opportunism. It allows for the introduction of bourgeois ideas into socialist thought, diluting the revolutionary core of the movement. This "freedom" is not about genuine intellectual progress but about undermining the fundamental principles of Marxism.

Historical Context. This trend is not new; it mirrors the revisionism of Bernstein and Millerand, who sought to transform Social-Democracy from a revolutionary force into a reformist one. This revisionism is not a natural evolution of thought but a deliberate attempt to dismantle the core tenets of Marxism. The call for "freedom of criticism" is a call to abandon the revolutionary path.

The Real Agenda. The true aim of this "freedom" is to weaken the socialist movement by introducing bourgeois elements and converting it into a mere reformist party. It's a call to abandon the class struggle and embrace collaboration with the bourgeoisie, ultimately betraying the interests of the proletariat.

2. Spontaneity vs. Consciousness: The Core Struggle

“Without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement.”

Spontaneity's Limits. The spontaneous upsurge of the working class, while powerful, is insufficient for achieving revolutionary change. It can only lead to trade union consciousness, focused on immediate economic gains, not the fundamental transformation of society. This is a critical point that many fail to grasp.

Consciousness from Without. Socialist consciousness, the understanding of the need for a complete overthrow of the capitalist system, must be brought to the workers from outside, primarily by intellectuals who have developed a deep understanding of Marxist theory. This is not an elitist view but a recognition of the historical development of socialist thought.

The Danger of Spontaneity. Worshipping spontaneity leads to the subordination of the working class to bourgeois ideology. The spontaneous movement, left to its own devices, will inevitably be drawn into the orbit of trade unionism, which is nothing more than the ideological enslavement of the workers by the bourgeoisie.

3. Trade Unionism vs. Social Democracy: A Crucial Distinction

“The economic struggle of the workers is very often connected (although not inseparably) with bourgeois politics, clerical politics, etc., as we have seen.”

Two Types of Politics. Trade union politics focuses on improving the terms of the sale of labor power within the existing capitalist system. Social-Democratic politics, on the other hand, aims to abolish the system itself. This is a fundamental difference that cannot be ignored.

Economism's Error. Economism, the tendency to reduce Social-Democratic politics to trade unionism, is a grave error. It limits the scope of the working-class movement and prevents it from achieving its ultimate goal of socialist revolution. This is a trap that many fall into.

Beyond Economic Demands. Social-Democrats must not confine themselves to economic demands but must also address all forms of oppression, including political, social, and cultural. This requires a broad political vision and a commitment to fighting for the liberation of all oppressed people.

4. Political Agitation: Beyond Economic Grievances

“Agitation must be conducted with regard to every concrete example of this oppression (as we have begun to carry on agitation round concrete examples of economic oppression).”

Comprehensive Exposure. Political education cannot be limited to the propaganda of working-class hostility to the autocracy. It must involve the exposure of all forms of oppression, from police brutality to the persecution of religious minorities. This is a crucial aspect of revolutionary work.

Beyond the Factory. The scope of political agitation must extend beyond the factory walls to encompass all aspects of social and political life. This includes issues such as the corruption of officials, the suppression of education, and the persecution of religious sects.

The Power of Exposure. By exposing the autocracy in all its manifestations, Social-Democrats can awaken the political consciousness of the working class and mobilize them for revolutionary struggle. This is a powerful tool that must be used effectively.

5. The Vanguard Role: Leading All Oppressed Classes

“The role of vanguard fighter can be fulfilled only by a party that is guided by the most advanced theory.”

Beyond the Proletariat. Social-Democrats must not only represent the working class but also act as the vanguard of all oppressed classes. This requires a broad understanding of the social and political landscape and the ability to unite all those who are dissatisfied with the existing order.

Guiding Opposition Strata. Social-Democrats must guide the activities of various opposition strata, including students, liberals, and peasants, by directing their discontent towards the overthrow of the autocracy. This is a crucial aspect of the vanguard role.

The Need for Leadership. The working class cannot achieve its goals without the leadership of a party guided by the most advanced theory. This party must be capable of uniting all revolutionary forces and leading them in the struggle against oppression.

6. Primitiveness and Economism: A Dangerous Duo

“The Economists and the terrorists merely bow to different poles of spontaneity; the Economists bow to the spontaneity of “the labour movement pure and simple”, while the terrorists bow to the spontaneity of the passionate indignation of intellectuals...”

Two Sides of the Same Coin. Primitiveness, the lack of training and organizational skill, is closely linked to Economism. Both are manifestations of subservience to spontaneity, one bowing to the spontaneous economic struggle, the other to the spontaneous indignation of intellectuals.

The Roots of the Problem. The problem is not simply a lack of training but a narrow conception of revolutionary work and a failure to understand the need for a strong organization of revolutionaries. This is a fundamental flaw in the thinking of many.

The Need for Professionalism. The solution lies in developing professional revolutionaries, individuals who are dedicated to the cause and trained in the art of combating the political police. This is a crucial step in overcoming the limitations of amateurism.

7. Revolutionary Organization: The Key to Success

“...no revolutionary movement can endure without a stable organisation of leaders maintaining continuity...”

Beyond Workers' Organizations. The organization of revolutionaries must be distinct from workers' organizations. While workers' organizations should be broad and public, the organization of revolutionaries must be small, compact, and highly secret. This is a crucial distinction.

Professional Revolutionaries. The organization of revolutionaries must consist of people who make revolutionary activity their profession. This requires a high level of training, discipline, and dedication. This is not an elitist view but a recognition of the demands of revolutionary struggle.

Centralization and Secrecy. The organization must be centralized and operate with the utmost secrecy to protect itself from the police. This is not a rejection of democracy but a recognition of the realities of working under an autocratic regime.

8. The All-Russia Newspaper: A Collective Organizer

“A newspaper is not only a collective propagandist and a collective agitator, it is also a collective organiser.”

More Than Just News. An all-Russia political newspaper is not just a source of information; it is a powerful tool for organizing and uniting the revolutionary forces. It serves as a guide, a means of communication, and a platform for collective action.

Overcoming Fragmentation. The newspaper helps to overcome the fragmentation of the movement by providing a common focus for activity and a means of exchanging experience and resources. This is essential for building a unified and effective revolutionary force.

Training Leaders. The newspaper also serves as a training ground for revolutionary leaders, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills and broaden their outlook. This is a crucial aspect of building a strong and capable leadership.

9. Local vs. National Work: A Necessary Shift

“Hitherto, the majority of our local organisations have thought almost exclusively in terms of local newspapers, and have devoted almost all their activities to this work. This is abnormal; the very opposite should have been the case.”

Beyond Localism. The movement has suffered from an excessive focus on local work. It is necessary to shift the center of gravity to national work, which will ultimately strengthen local activity. This is a crucial step in overcoming the limitations of amateurism.

The Limits of Local Papers. Local newspapers, while useful, are often unstable, lack political significance, and are technically inadequate. A single, all-Russia newspaper can provide greater stability, continuity, and political depth.

A National Perspective. By focusing on national issues, the movement can develop a broader perspective and a more unified approach to the struggle against the autocracy. This is essential for achieving revolutionary change.

10. The Path Forward: End the Third Period

“Put an End to the Third Period.”

Three Periods of Social Democracy. Russian Social-Democracy has gone through three distinct periods: the rise of theory, the emergence of a mass movement, and a period of disunity and vacillation. This third period must be brought to an end.

The Need for Consolidation. The fourth period must be one of consolidation, of militant Marxism, and of the emergence of a genuine vanguard of the most revolutionary class. This is the path to victory.

Rejecting Opportunism. The path forward requires a decisive rejection of opportunism, Economism, and all forms of subservience to spontaneity. It requires a commitment to revolutionary theory, a strong organization, and a broad political vision.

Last updated: February 3, 2025