The history of all countries shows that the working class exclusively by its own effort is able to develop only trade-union consciousness.

Summary

This quote, by Vladimir Lenin, suggests that throughout history, the working class has primarily focused on improving their conditions through trade unions. In other words, the working class tends to prioritize immediate and tangible improvements in their wages, working hours, and other labor-related issues. Lenin implies that without external influence or guidance, the working class may not naturally develop a broader revolutionary consciousness that challenges the existing social and economic systems. According to him, the working class needs the support and leadership of revolutionary parties to go beyond trade union activities and pursue larger-scale societal change.

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