State and Revolution

By: Vladimir Ilich Lenin

Narrated by: Chris Matthews

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

State and Revolution (1917) describes the role of the state in society, the necessity of proletarian revolution, and the theoretic inadequacies of social democracy in achieving revolution. It describes the inherent nature of the state as a tool for class oppression, a creation born of one social class' desire to control all other social classes. Whether a dictatorship or a democracy, the state remains in the control of the ruling class. Even in a democratic capitalist republic, the ruling class will never willingly relinquish political power, maintaining it via various strategies. Hence, according to this view, communist revolution is the sole remedy for the abolition of the state.

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Mainly about the Thesis

State and Revolution is a book largely based around a simple concept: defining the Marxist terminology surrounding the concept of the "state" and outlining in sharp detail the thesis by which this concept applies to socialist thought. Lenin's entire work is focused on this singular thesis of what it means that the state will "wither away" under socialism, and how the topics of revolution and class warfare as outlined in the Communist Manifesto relate to this concept.

The Manifesto is a necessary read preceding this. Overall, the main reason why this book is four hours long and not one or two is because of Lenin's meticulous attention to making sure that his interpretation of the modes of state and revolution are as ironclad as possible. In many ways this is a letter to his contemporaries, attempting to make clear why Lenin's interpretation of the relations of state and revolution are correct, and making sure to ward against any attempt by opportunists to contort the words of the Manifesto against proletariat interests. If this book were merely the thesis alone, it would probably be much shorter.

Good to read if you're in a Marxist book club and this comes up. The narrator is a bit lackluster but not the worst - somewhat lacking in passion and polish. Ultimately if you spend a lot of time discussing Marxism and socialism, State and Revolution is going to be mentioned, so its good having at least read the book in some way. The arguments outlined in this text are still relevant today, when the struggle between liberals and leftists in many ways outstrips the struggle between the left and the right.

Overall an enlightening read, and a worthwhile one for any socialist or politically-minded person. Just don't fall prey to opportunism of your own!

Inspiring content that's influenced the world

Nearly all the great revolutions of the world have come from this book, and hopefully more to come.

a must read

It is so refreshing that Lenin was a book nerd, it completely figures hes the boogie man of imperialism. Just educate yourself into being a communist, its really easy.

cuts out at the last 7 minutes of the book.

otherwise it was pretty insightful. get it. get it now. fifteen words is never enough.

Important to read

Important to read if you want to know why our current system is dog doo doo.

WORKERS UNITE!

An essential read from the works of Lenin. Workers UNITE, you have nothing to lose but your chains!

Interesting and enlightening.

Insightful, outlining how the class structure works. As. for how things will come together in the future, I will need to listen again and give more attention and consideration. Thanks to Midwestern Marx for the recommendation and detailed analysis.

Logical reasoning

Lenin makes a very good argument in pointing out capitalisms major drawbacks, how the state is used etc. The book was written over one hundred years ago yet is as though it was written yesterday. The same problems with capitalism are even more so prevalent today. Lenin is on point.

Revolution, Not Reform

Lenin's most readable essay, in which he lays out his idea that "bourgeois democracy" is an integral part of capitalism, and cannot simply be taken over and re-staffed by socialism. Socialism will require new structures and political processes.

We can be inspired by the overall points without necessarily agreeing with Lenin's answer to the problem. Five stars!

Important work and well read

Lenin is someone who everyone has an opinion on but hardly anyone has ever actually read what he wrote. This audiobook makes a really important work of Lenin’s more accessible. My only complaint is the miss pronunciation of some important names that probably could’ve been corrected with a little more research. However I want to commend the performer on taking on the tone as if Lenin were saying the words himself.
The brief introduction is clearly meant to discredit the contents, but I’d you actually engage with what he says, it can not be so easily dismissed. We still live in a world where vast resources are put into violent domination of the majority of the population and our world is clearly controlled by a minority who extracts, accumulates and makes decisions about wealth that are not democratic.