I have begun writing a book about the evolution of Communist thought. I am not a Communist, but I have always been intrigued on how Marxist thought has developed and how Marxism-Leninism has grown. I may have only had the chance to read a few readings and two biographies on Che Guevara and Mao Tse-tung, but I have gained a simple conclusion.
Che Guevara can be quoted as saying: “At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality.” Che Gueva’s idealism generated out of passion and love. He built his idealism on the thought of being a sort of socialist doctor. Che toured South America and witnessed the plights and disease faced by the poor and oppressed. His revolutionary impulse seeked to solve these ailments. He mixed his love with the doctrine of Marxism-Leninism and borrowed the revolutionary tact of Mao Tse-tung. Fidel Castro, however, was not a man of ideal, however, not until long cooperation with Che. Fidel did not have passion or love, instead he thought in terms of self-empowerment and nationalistic pride.
In the Chinese revolution, Mao Tse-tung squashed opponents that had passion in their ideals. Mao rather forwarded himself for personal gain, never reflecting compassion towards others or a deep love that intertwined with his ideals. Any time that Mao’s adversaries (his own political circle) expressed compassion or love, Mao punished them with ridicule.
Political doctrine in the world of revolutionaries often is seen as a black and white set of conduct which must be rigorously followed, with strict discipline. This is not the approach that revolutionaries must take. Revolutionaries must be passionate about their beliefs, they must adapt these political doctrines to their passion and love. If not, these revolutionaries create the societies we know today that proclaim to be Communist or Leftist. They are run by dictators that rely on hardened doctrines, they are full of paranoia and silence the public, they destroy society in hopes of preserving their perverted ideals.
Without passion and love a revolution loses sight, it becomes manipulated and corrupt, forming more so a means for personal gain – not for that of the people or true idealism. When I mention the word revolutionaries, I mean each individual in this world. We are all revolutionaries. We each think and act in this world, we each make changes to our society. If you find yourself holding a belief and do not know why, that there is no passion or love behind it – then why hold on so dear? Think about what you do and how you act, try to live passionately.
