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The Role of the Individual in History
Manage episode 502922086 series 3685290
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The provided texts explore the theories of George Plekhanov, a pivotal figure in Russian Marxism. The first source, an essay titled "The Role of the Individual in History," examines the interplay between general historical forces and the influence of prominent individuals, arguing that while societal structures determine the broader direction of events, individuals can significantly shape their specific features. This essay refutes the idea that historical development is purely fatalistic or solely driven by "great men," instead proposing a synthesis where individuals act as conscious expressions of inevitable social needs. The second source, an article by Tony Cliff, commemorates Plekhanov's hundredth birthday, highlighting his foundational role in Russian Marxism. Cliff details Plekhanov's break from the Populist movement, his identification of the working class as the key revolutionary force in Russia, and his prescient warnings about the challenges of building socialism in a backward country, ultimately acknowledging Plekhanov's immense contribution despite his later political divergences.
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