Communism, my friend, is more than Marxism, just as Catholicism is more than the Roman Curia. There is a mystique as well as a politick. Catholics and Communists have committed great crimes, but at least they have not stood aside, like an established society, and been indifferent. I would rather have blood on my hands than water like Pilate.

Summary

This quote suggests that communism and Catholicism both possess an element beyond their ideological frameworks. They are portrayed as having a sense of mystery, ideology, and engagement with the world. While acknowledging that both groups have been responsible for great wrongdoing, the quote suggests that they are preferable to apathetic established societies. The choice of having "blood on my hands" rather than Pilate's indifference implies a preference for being actively involved, even if it means bearing responsibility for one's actions.

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