Leon Trotsky Quotes

If there is to be a revolution, there must be a revolutionary party.

Revolution is an instrument, like a party is an instrument.

We tried many times before to speed on the social revolution in Spain; attempted to stir up the feelings of the people and to raise the banner of Libertarian Communism.

Revolution is not a dinner party, not an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly and modestly.

Comrades, the revolution is on.

Citizens, did you want a revolution without revolution?

Let us not be so naive as to think that revolution is just a matter of social or economic discontent.

Revolution is born as a social entity within the oppressor society.

Revolution is glorified by intellectuals, apotheosized by poets, sanctified by visionaries, and bled white by politicians.

The revolution will stop at nothing. We have changed the nature of politics.

“Order prevails in Berlin!” You foolish lackeys! Your “order” is built on sand. Tomorrow the revolution will “rise up again, clashing its weapons,” and to your horror it will proclaim with trumpets blazing: I was, I am, I shall be!

A revolutionary is not the revolution.

Revolutionary death is the reality and victory the dream.

One does not make revolutions by halves

Grasp Revolution

I think that in order to make revolution, you need to make reforms, but you should make these reforms with revolution in mind.

You cannot make a revolution with silk gloves.

I'm still a political revolutionary. The fire never went out of me, but perceptions and realizations change.

Revolutions come in two stages: the bit where everything gets smashed and the bit where you have to build it again. The first is great fun; the second is so very hard.

Anyone who makes plans for after the revolution is a reactionary.

Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and act as men of thought.

A revolution can be neither made nor stopped. The only thing that can be done is for one of several of its children to give it a direction by dint of victories.

No real social change has ever been brought about without a revolution... revolution is but thought carried into action.

Without a revolutionary theory there cannot be a revolutionary movement.

Look, if the Situationists achieved what they wanted, they would be very unhappy and they would have to be Situationists all over again. It's a never-ending process.