The Role of the Individual in History
The Role of the Individual in History
Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov
Ray Dalio
“[One of the books that] showed how the same things happened over and over again throughout history." - Ray Dalio
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The Role of the Individual in History

The Role of the Individual in History

Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov
By
Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov
3.9
174
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Role of the Individual in History," Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov embarks on a profound exploration of the intersections between individual actions and the broader currents of historical development. Published in 1898, this seminal work stands as a testament to Plekhanov's intellectual rigor and his unwavering commitment to the Marxist perspective. Through meticulous analysis and persuasive argumentation, Plekhanov challenges the conventional wisdom of his time, asserting that the force of individual personalities must be understood not as isolated phenomena but as integral components of social and economic conditions. His insights delve into the complex dynamics of historical progress, arguing that while individuals can indeed shape history, their ability to do so is ultimately circumscribed by the material conditions and class struggles of their era. Plekhanov's work is not merely an academic treatise; it is a vibrant, engaging discourse that seeks to illuminate the mechanisms of historical change from a Marxian viewpoint. As one of the pioneering figures in Russian Marxism, Plekhanov's influence extended far beyond his own generation, laying the groundwork for future debates on the role of leadership, the nature of revolutionary change, and the interplay between individual agency and structural determinants in the unfolding of history. "The Role of the Individual in History" is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of historical causation and the enduring relevance of Marxist theory in grappling with the philosophical and practical questions surrounding the impact of individuals on the course of history.

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Released
1898
1 Jan
Length
64
Pages

1

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recommendation

“[One of the books that] showed how the same things happened over and over again throughout history." - Ray Dalio
When the consciousness of my lack of free will presents itself to me only in the form of the complete subjective and objective impossibility of acting differently from the way I am acting, and when, at the same time, my actions are to me the most desirable of all other possible actions, then, in my mind, necessity becomes identified with freedom and freedom with necessity; and then, I am unfree only in the sensethat I cannot disturb this identity between freedom and necessity, I cannot oppose one to the other, I cannot feel the restraint of necessity. But such a lack of freedom is at the same time its fullest manifestation.
— Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov, The Role of the Individual in History

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