核心要点
1. 布尔什维主义：充满希望却危险的信仰
布尔什维克所做的最重要的事情，就是创造了一种希望，或者至少使一种原本局限于少数人的希望变得强烈而广泛。
新兴信仰。 布尔什维主义如同一场新兴的宗教，诞生于战争后的幻灭之中，带来了一个无不公、无经济奴役、无战争的世界的希望。它承诺团结与目标，终结商业主义的虚假，这一愿景吸引了许多渴望工作纯粹、绝望消除的社会成员。
狂热的危险。 然而，罗素警示，这种狂热的信仰往往掩盖残酷。他将其比作早期基督徒，虽教义高尚，却导致宗教裁判所的恐怖。登山宝训的原则虽美好，但其对普通人性的影响却大相径庭。
进步的种子。 尽管有所保留，罗素承认即便布尔什维主义失败，也会留下激励未来进步的英雄传奇。他认为，必须进行根本的经济重建，使工业服务于人类，但警惕不可为更公正的经济体系牺牲思想自由。
2. 布尔什维克的字面独裁
俄罗斯共产党人谈论独裁时，是字面意义上的独裁；而谈论无产阶级时，则是皮克威克式的含义。
非代议制政府。 “无产阶级专政”并非新型代议制政府，而是共产党字面上的独裁。无产阶级一词被选择性使用，只包括持“正确观点”的人，不论其阶级身份，排除持不同意见的工薪阶层。
无情手段。 对共产主义必要性的信念导致无情手段以构建和维护共产主义国家。反对派被无情镇压，常用沙皇警察的手法。目的正当化手段，所有罪恶归咎于私有制，私有制一旦消失，罪恶也将消失。
历史类比。 罗素将布尔什维克与克伦威尔统治及柏拉图的理想国相提并论。像清教徒士兵一样，布尔什维克被严厉的政治道德目标驱使，牺牲民主以推行强制意识形态。共产党如守护者，家庭生活亦仿柏拉图所建议。
3. 列宁的冷峻知识贵族
他专制、冷静、不知恐惧，极度无私，是理论的化身。
列宁性格。 罗素描绘列宁为友善、朴实、无自负，却又专制、冷静、无畏。他体现了历史唯物主义，拥有知识贵族气质，鄙视误解或反对其理论者。
革命策略。 列宁认为暴力革命不可避免，即使在英国也如此，期望工党政府证明议会主义的徒劳。他将非流血变革视为资产阶级偏见。
农民问题。 列宁承认在农民占多数的国家建立共产主义困难，但相信当有商品可换取粮食时情况会改善。他认为对农民的专政是长期必要，因为农民渴望自由贸易。
4. 共产主义下的艺术与教育
未来的共产主义艺术家或将建造超越中世纪教堂之美的公共建筑，绘制壁画，组织盛会，创作英雄的荷马史诗。
艺术自由。 起初，布尔什维克允许艺术家无论政治立场如何享有完全自由，并给予特殊待遇。但此举导致艺术与大众感情脱节，艺术家仍演旧作，观众感到无意义。
宣传艺术。 因此，艺术逐渐被要求体现革命情绪，成为服务于共产主义教义的宣传工具，包括革命戏剧、布尔什维克领导人的漫画，以及将列宁和托洛茨基描绘为摩西和亚伦的木刻画。
教育与工业。 教育重点转向工业发展，可能牺牲儿童的全面与人文发展。学校有可能成为共产党员的专属，培养领导者，而无产阶级仅接受基础技术训练和共产主义教义。
5. 苏维埃体制：权力集中
我确实见过一个有趣的实验，但不是代议制政府。
苏维埃的衰亡。 苏维埃体制原本被设想为新型代议制政府，但现已衰败。自由选举不会让共产党获得多数，因此采用各种手段确保政府候选人获胜。
压制异见。 投票以举手方式进行，标记反对者。非共产党候选人被剥夺印刷和集会场所，媒体完全官方化。尽管如此，孟什维克仍通过口碑竞选赢得部分席位。
权力结构。 实权集中于共产党手中，全俄苏维埃仅批准党的决策。官僚分为老革命者、投机者及出于爱国或机会主义为政府工作者。
6. 工业的失败：恶性循环
第九次代表大会批准俄共中央委员会关于动员工业无产阶级、强制劳动服务、生产军事化及军事分队经济应用的决议。
工业崩溃。 俄国工业陷入瘫痪，工厂停工，机器无法使用。原因包括依赖外国援助、技术工人破坏及封锁。粮食短缺加剧问题，削弱工人，阻碍生产。
工业征兵。 为应对危机，布尔什维克实行工业征兵，强制工人留岗，惩罚逃工。生产军事化，军事分队参与经济活动。
援助需求。 尽管措施严厉，形势依旧严峻，布尔什维克承认需外部经济援助，但来自资本主义国家的援助威胁共产主义原则。
7. 日常生活：节俭与控制
整体印象是美德与有序的活动。
艰苦与秩序。 莫斯科日常生活以辛勤、有序、低犯罪率为特征。剧院与芭蕾持续，酗酒与卖淫少见。女性比世界任何地方都更安全。
粮食短缺与长工时。 然而，由于粮食短缺和长时间工作，大多数人生活艰难。八小时工作制被延长，许多人加班以维持生计。
警察干预。 警察在日常生活中作用显著，人人几乎每日违法。因害怕逮捕，社交生活稀少，报纸稀缺。宗教依然强盛，教堂中信徒虔诚。
8. 城乡对立：分裂的国家
典型的俄国农民从未听说过协约国或这个国家；他不知道封锁，只知道政府为了穷农民将他原有的六头牛减至一头，并以极低价格征收他的谷物（除自家所需外）。
粮食问题。 城市粮食供应是重大挑战，政府难以从农民手中获得粮食。农民不愿用纸币换取农产品，政府的强制征收激起他们反感。
农民视角。 农民大多不了解村外事务，怨恨政府的要求。他们渴望自由贸易和村庄自治，无论政府如何更替。
城市主导。 政府代表城市与工业利益，实质上驻扎于农民国家之中。经济形势有利农村，但城市通过武力维持权力。
9. 国际政策：革命还是帝国
当前世界政治形势将无产阶级专政置于议事日程，世界政治事件必然围绕一个重心：国际资产阶级与苏维埃共和国的斗争，后者吸引各国先进工人阶级的苏维埃运动及被苦难说服的殖民地和被压迫民族的民族解放运动，唯有苏维埃政府战胜世界帝国主义，方能拯救他们。
和平与征服。 布尔什维克面临选择：追求和平与工业发展，或在亚洲推行征服政策。后者源于对亚洲统治的渴望及其可能引发西方革命的信念。
亚洲政策。 俄国政府的亚洲政策针对大英帝国，资助民族主义运动，派遣煽动者。此政策为帝国主义提供了宣传掩护下的机会。
布尔什维主义如宗教。 布尔什维主义是一种宗教，而非普通政治运动，其教条超越甚至违背证据。它更应与伊斯兰教相提并论，而非基督教，专注于赢得世俗帝国。
10. 唯物主义与人性欲望
所有政治皆受人类欲望支配。
经济动机。 历史唯物主义假设所有政治现象由经济动机决定，个体主要驱动力是增加商品份额。
非经济因素。 然而，民族主义、宗教及权力欲等非经济因素同样在政治中扮演重要角色。人们渴望权力，渴望满足自尊与骄傲。
政治心理学。 需用精神分析方法探讨政治动机，认识到人们发明神话以合理化行为。现代心理学揭示人类理性漂浮于疯狂之海。
11. 民主的覆灭：少数人的政变
因此，在他们看来，共产党在资本主义国家的职责是为武装冲突做准备，采取一切可能措施解除资产阶级武装，并武装愿意支持共产党的无产阶级部分。
布尔什维克论点。 他们认为议会民主难以实现社会主义，因资本主义宣传与腐败。他们主张由少数人领导的武装冲突，突然且灾难性地摧毁资本主义。
领导者的背叛。 然而，该理论未考虑共产党领导人可能的背叛及官僚贵族的出现。权力欲可与金钱欲同样强烈。
少数暴力。 在民主国家，无产阶级通过武装摧毁政府比通过选举更难。布尔什维克的少数革命理论仅在多数人默许时才可能。
12. 革命的代价：专制与残酷
由暴力和少数人强制统治建立的体制必然滋生暴政与剥削；若人性如马克思主义者所言，统治者为何会放弃自私的机会？
布尔什维克纲领。 他们有明确实现共产主义的计划，包括武装冲突、少数人夺权及共产主义渗透经济各部门。
冲突代价。 然而，布尔什维克方法实现共产主义的冲突极其惨烈且持久，其恶果超过最终利益。第三国际预言的世界大战将使前次大战显得微不足道。
暴政与剥削。 由暴力和少数人统治产生的体制必然导致暴政与剥削。妄言苏维埃俄国统治者习惯权力后仍保有无产阶级心理，纯属荒谬。
读者评价
《布尔什维主义的实践与理论》因其对早期苏维埃俄国及布尔什维主义的深刻分析而备受赞誉。读者们欣赏罗素的亲身观察、批判视角以及富有预见性的预测。许多人认为他对布尔什维主义的论证令人信服，尤其是他对集权统治和教条式马克思主义的批判。一些评论者指出，罗素对共产主义持同情但最终拒绝的态度。该书被视为理解早期共产主义理论与实践的重要著作，尽管也有少数批评者认为其存在偏见或某些方面有所欠缺。
常见问题
What is "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism" by Bertrand Russell about?
- Examination of Bolshevism: The book is a critical analysis of the Russian Revolution and the Bolshevik regime, focusing on both its practical implementation and underlying theory.
- Firsthand Observations: Russell draws on his visit to Soviet Russia in 1920, offering personal impressions and detailed accounts of daily life, politics, and society.
- Theoretical Critique: The work explores Marxist philosophy, the materialistic conception of history, and the nature of revolutionary change.
- Comparative Perspective: Russell compares Bolshevism to other historical movements, such as the French Revolution and the rise of Islam, and discusses its global implications.
Why should I read "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism" by Bertrand Russell?
- Insightful Historical Context: The book provides a unique, contemporaneous perspective on the early years of Soviet Russia from a renowned philosopher.
- Balanced Critique: Russell offers both admiration for the Bolsheviks' aims and a critical assessment of their methods and outcomes.
- Philosophical Depth: The analysis goes beyond politics, delving into the philosophical and psychological roots of revolutionary movements.
- Relevance to Modern Debates: The book’s exploration of ideology, fanaticism, and the dangers of dogmatism remains pertinent to current political discussions.
What are the key takeaways from "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism"?
- Bolshevism as Religion: Russell argues that Bolshevism functions as a secular religion, with dogmas and intolerance of dissent.
- Dangers of Fanaticism: He warns that revolutionary zeal can lead to cruelty, suppression of liberty, and the rise of new forms of oppression.
- Economic and Social Realities: The collapse of Russian industry and the hardships of daily life under Bolshevism are highlighted as central failures.
- Gradual Reform vs. Revolution: Russell advocates for gradual, democratic reforms over violent revolution, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty and skepticism.
How does Bertrand Russell describe the main goals and hopes of Bolshevism?
- End of Injustice: Bolshevism aspires to abolish class divisions, economic slavery, and war, promising equality and meaningful work for all.
- Creation of a New Order: The movement seeks to replace capitalism with a radically new social and economic system based on communal ownership.
- Transformation of Human Nature: Bolsheviks hope to mold future generations through education and propaganda, aiming for a society of collective mentality.
- Global Revolution: The ultimate goal is worldwide socialism, with Russia serving as the vanguard for international change.
What are the main criticisms Bertrand Russell raises about Bolshevik methods?
- Use of Dictatorship: Russell criticizes the Bolsheviks for establishing a minority dictatorship, suppressing democracy and free speech.
- Reliance on Violence: He argues that the Bolshevik approach depends on violence and coercion, which breeds further oppression and instability.
- Suppression of Liberty: The regime’s intolerance of dissent and dogmatic enforcement of ideology are seen as antithetical to scientific inquiry and individual freedom.
- Economic Mismanagement: Russell points to the collapse of industry and the failure to provide basic necessities as evidence of flawed methods.
How does "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism" analyze the materialistic theory of history?
- Economic Determinism: Russell explains that Marx’s materialistic conception of history attributes all major historical events to economic motives.
- Critique of Reductionism: He challenges the idea that economic factors alone drive history, emphasizing the roles of nationalism, religion, and psychological motives.
- Importance of Non-Economic Factors: Russell argues that desires for power, rivalry, and social status are equally significant in shaping political events.
- Need for Nuanced Analysis: He advocates for a more complex understanding of history that incorporates both material and psychological elements.
What does Bertrand Russell observe about daily life and social conditions in Soviet Russia?
- Hardships and Scarcity: Most people face severe food shortages, long working hours, and a lack of basic comforts.
- Social Control: The state exerts tight control over daily life, with pervasive police presence and restrictions on movement and expression.
- Limited Social Life: Cultural and social activities are constrained, and fear of arrest or denunciation is widespread.
- Persistence of Religion: Despite official atheism, religious practices and devotion remain strong among the population.
How does Russell compare Bolshevism to other historical movements and philosophies?
- French Revolution and Islam: He sees Bolshevism as combining the revolutionary zeal of the French Revolution with the missionary fervor of early Islam.
- Plato’s Republic: Russell draws parallels between the Communist Party and Plato’s guardians, noting the aristocratic and authoritarian tendencies.
- Puritan England: The moral rigor and suppression of individual pleasure under Bolshevism remind him of Cromwell’s Puritans.
- Distinction from Western Socialism: He argues that Western countries could achieve socialism through less violent, more democratic means.
What does "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism" say about art and education under the Soviet regime?
- Art as Propaganda: While initially tolerant, the regime increasingly channels artistic expression into propaganda, stifling individual creativity.
- Education for Indoctrination: Schools focus on instilling Communist doctrine, often at the expense of free inquiry and scientific skepticism.
- Impact of Industrialization: Russell and his secretary note that rapid industrialization threatens traditional crafts and artistic impulses.
- Long-Term Concerns: The book warns that fanaticism and utilitarianism may undermine both artistic and intellectual development.
What are Russell’s views on the prospects for Communism’s success, according to "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism"?
- Need for Gradual Change: He believes successful Communism requires gradual reform, widespread education, and the diffusion of power.
- Dangers of Centralization: Excessive centralization and dictatorship are likely to produce new forms of inequality and oppression.
- Importance of Industrial Stability: A Communist revolution must avoid paralyzing industry, or it will lead to chaos and suffering.
- Role of International Context: Russell argues that Communism cannot succeed in isolation, especially if opposed by powerful capitalist nations like America.
What are the best quotes from "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism" and what do they mean?
- “Bolshevism is not merely a political doctrine; it is also a religion, with elaborate dogmas and inspired scriptures.”
- Russell highlights the dogmatic and quasi-religious nature of Bolshevik ideology, warning of its intolerance.
- “Fanatics are seldom genuinely humane, and those who sincerely dread cruelty will be slow to adopt a fanatical creed.”
- He cautions against the dangers of fanaticism, which often leads to cruelty rather than compassion.
- “The damage to civilization done by revolution in one country may be repaired by the influence of another in which there has been no revolution; but in a universal cataclysm civilization might go under for a thousand years.”
- Russell warns that global revolutionary upheaval could destroy civilization itself.
- “The present holders of power are evil men, and the present manner of life is doomed.”
- He expresses both condemnation of the existing capitalist order and a sense of historical inevitability about its end.
What is Bertrand Russell’s final assessment of Bolshevism in "The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism"?
- Mixed Admiration and Critique: Russell admires the Bolsheviks’ courage and the necessity of their attempt but is deeply critical of their methods and outcomes.
- Warning Against Dogmatism: He stresses the importance of skepticism, liberty, and gradual reform over revolutionary fanaticism.
- Lessons for the West: Russell urges Western socialists to learn from Russia’s failures and to pursue socialism through democratic, humane means.
- Enduring Relevance: The book concludes that while Bolshevism may fail, the hope for a more just and cooperative society should not die.
下载 PDF
下载 EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
