"I had a national and international reputation. I had written the history and articles. So I brought to the Trotskyist movement some international reputation"
- C. L. R. James
About this Quote
C. L. R. James was a Trinidadian Marxist theorist, writer, and activist. In this quote, he is referring to his own achievements prior to joining the Trotskyist movement. He had accomplished a national and worldwide credibility for his writing, including history and articles. This reputation was something he had the ability to bring to the Trotskyist movement, which was a political motion that sought to continue the ideas of Leon Trotsky. By signing up with the motion, James had the ability to use his credibility to assist spread the concepts of Trotskyism and to help the movement gain more acknowledgment. His contributions to the movement were important, and his reputation was a significant possession.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
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"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
