اندیشهفلسفهخردگفتگوحکمتمعناپرسشفرهنگ
Political Science
Introducing Bolshevism from Theory to Practice by Bertrand Russell
After the Bolshevik Revolution, Bertrand Russell travelled to Russia to understand the conditions there, and he recounts his field observations and conversations with Lenin and Trotsky without prejudice—an honest critique of both Bolshevik practice and capitalism.
Bertrand Russell is a prominent figure in every religious, social, philosophical, and political arena of the twentieth century. It is perhaps a little unfair to think that the influence of his thought is no longer manifest in society. One can still trace the footprints of his words in many academic and social discussions. At times, his aphorisms are passed from hand to hand like the sayings of a saint. Although the educated stratum of society does not welcome this practice, on the other hand, it can be seen as a sign of the penetration of his thought into the heart of society. As a university professor, social activist, political activist, and leader of the anti-war movement, he was constantly under attack from various governments. Disregarding the inherited advantages available to him, he stepped onto a different path. Perhaps this is the reason for Russell's greater popularity among the people. In his books, sometimes the elite are addressed, sometimes the general public. His activities can in no way be considered self-serving. He repeatedly lost his fortune because of his views and activities. He also spent years of his life in prison for his anti-war activities.
From Russell's perspective, a philosopher and thinker cannot be indifferent to political events and ongoing activities in society. He could not tolerate the seclusion and indifference of the educated class. Based on this very thinking, he stepped into the political arena and paid a heavy price for it.
Given his academic background, he still preferred field research over library-based analysis in his political and social analyses. Russell spent several years of his life in China, America, and Germany, and in each of these three countries, he wrote a book critiquing and examining the conditions of the host society. Regardless of his nationality and free from religious[1] and political prejudices, he openly criticized Britain's conduct in China[2]. This makes me, as a reader, have greater trust in his political analyses. He was a powerful and highly confident orator who honestly critiqued the performance of politicians, a critique devoid of self-interest.
After the victory of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Soviet Russia, fear and dread, alongside widespread hope and enthusiasm, took shape among people in the West and other parts of the world. Russell believed one could not sit at home, read the analyses of socialist parties, and determine the truth or falsehood of the Bolsheviks' claims and actions. He set off for Russia on a short trip alongside members of the British Labour Party. On this journey, Russell traveled to many cities and even came close to the Iranian border by train. The reason for his travels was an attempt to grasp the environment of the country of Russia. In this book, the reader can clearly gain a good understanding of the geographical and historical conditions of Russia. This clearly indicates that he considered geography an important principle in social influences. Russell tried to recount his travelogue like a novelist. An adventurous journey that also illuminates other dimensions of Bolshevik Russia.
During this trip, Russell had several interviews. In an interview with Lenin, he tried to grasp the core content of his thought. Impartially and far from fascination or hatred, he analyzed his personality. He also had a brief meeting with Trotsky and other high-ranking members of the Communist Party. He has accurately recounted these interviews and expressed his critiques of them. Russell's honesty in stating the facts is admirable. Of course, we have seen this honesty in his previous books as well and expected it. In the second part, Russell critiques the Bolsheviks' performance and offers solutions. Amidst the second part, the astute reader can discern Russell's inclination towards socialism. He subtly critiques capitalism.
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1-The book “Why I Am Not a Christian” has been published by the same publisher and translator.
2- The book “The Problem of China” has been published by the same publisher and translator.
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The Book Bolshevism from Theory to Practice
Author: Bertrand Russell
Translator / Editor: Amir Soltanzadeh
Book Introduction by: Amir Soltanzadeh
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Discussion1 comments
راسل را باید چندین مرتبه خواند آنهم در فواصل زیاد، شاید مثلا هر دهه به بار مرور کرد. چون گاهی بقدری از ایجاز و فشردگی و عمق میرسد که بیخودی نیست که نوبل ادبیات را دریافت میکند. و کاپلستون حاضر به مناظره رسمی با وی میشود. او چند لایه ست لذا باید دقیق خواند مکرارا. اما این را چندسال پیش خواندم و هنوز هم برخی جملاتش عجیب و تکان دهنده ست، مثلا در بیوگرافی اش میگوید که بلشویسم چیزی نزدیک به دیوان سالاری ظالمانه ای است با دستگاه جاسوسی شسته و روفته تر و وحشتناک تر از مال تزار و اشرافیتی به همان اندازه گستاخ و بی احساس، متشکل از یهودیان آمریکایی مآب.