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.

good listen, garbage ideology

well read and very informative, all and all its a good listen but its still a trash ideology .

the truth

this book is excellent. the truth of the world is contained within this text. we demand a dictatorship of the proletariat.

Great book, mediocre performance

If you need to listen to this for the content, it’s fine enough. Somehow sounds like an infomercial. Also absolutely butchers “Proudhon”

great writing, poor editing of narration

writing is great. editor failed to remove mistaken words that were repeated. otherwise its well done

No one is as deaf as [they] who will not hear

A well articulated merger and summary of the works of Marx and Engles on the transformation from capitalism, to socialism, to communism, and the need to give way to the rise of the dictatorship of the proletariat, an armed force of the proletariat to oppress the bourgeoisie, and avoid opportunism in this transformation.

Details, in depth, the need to destroy the capitalist state machine, the oppressive force of the bourgeoise, as opposed to repurpose it. “While the state exists there is no freedom, when freedom exists there will be no state,” and that the means for which to bring about this destruction is left to the proletariat.

Explains how socialism is more equal than that of capitalism, as the means of production are shared. However, socialism is inherently unjust, in that it will provide “equal pay for equal work”. However, humans are not equal (e.g. strength, health, age, family, etc.) and thus, requires and will eventually lead to the transformation from socialism to communism “From each according to their abilities, to each according to his needs.”

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.