The Pursuit and Failure of True Marxism

For many scholars and historians, the question of ldquo;True Communismrdquo; has always been a topic of intense debate. Was the Soviet Union a true representation of Marxrsquo;s utopian vision, or was it simply a failed experiment marred by power struggles, internal politics, and the inherent flaws of human nature?

Why True Communism Never Gained Traction

Many argue that true communism canrsquo;t be achieved because it requires perfect people. This concept is inherently flawed, as no individual can ever meet the stringent criteria for perfection. Despite this, some groups and leaders, like the Bolsheviks who carried out the Soviet revolution, were criticized for not being ldquo;good enoughrdquo; communitarians. Stalin, a key figure in the Soviet Union, found himself under scrutiny for not embodying the ideals of true communism, yet he maintained absolute political power. ldquo;True believersrdquo; in the Marxist ideology often attribute any failures to not being ldquo;realrdquo; communism, a mindset that perpetuates the illusion that these ideologies can never fail.

Early Soviet Experiments

Lenin, who leads the early days of Soviet communism, tried to implement changes that would make the system work, such as restoring a currency and rewarding workers based on their skills and productivity. However, these attempts were unworkable. In the face of failure, true believers argue that it was merely because the experiment wasnrsquo;t ldquo;purerdquo; or ldquo;realrdquo; enough. This dogma ensures that communism is seen as inherently successful, regardless of any practical failures.

The Requirements for True Marxism

For Marxists, theoretically, true communism demands a mass working-class revolution thatrsquo;s started by the proletariat. However, such an event was rendered impossible by the aftermath of civil war and the invasion by 14 countries, which significantly damaged the economy and killed millions of workers. Historical evidence suggests that no such revolution has ever achieved a classless, stateless mode of production run by associated producers. The consolidation of a true communist society has not been realized, leading to the failure of the ideology.

The Dangers of Totalitarianism

True believers in Marxism often characterize the failure as a lack of authenticity rather than an inherent flaw. The Soviet Union, under Stalin, became a totalitarian state. It was a system without a deity but with a powerful ldquo;Party,rdquo; driven by individuals whose ultimate goal was power, not true ideology. These individuals, termed ldquo;true believers,rdquo; faced severe consequences; some even met untimely deaths. These manipulative power dynamics bear little resemblance to the ideals espoused by Marx and Engels.

The failure of the Soviet Union wasnrsquo;t a deviation from Marxist thought; it was an embodiment of its flaws. The system was built on the premise of power and control, a stark contrast to the ideal of ldquo;associated producersrdquo; working without exploitation. Diving deeper, the system resembled a theocracy or fascism, with leaders or parties representing a deity or the masses, respectively. The only real difference lies in the minutia of control methods, with fervent, often coerced supporters in all systems.

Ultimately, the pursuit of true Marxism is fraught with challenges, not least of which is the human element. The reality of power, corruption, and inherent human nature make the ideal of true communism unachievable. As historian David R. McReynolds once quipped, ldquo;I’ll bite…what the heck is it then, sir?rdquo; True Marxism, as it exists beyond theory, is a con, a cult without a deity, and a system driven by individuals for power.