Quotes from book
Catechism of a Revolutionary

Sergey Nechayev

The Catechism of a Revolutionary refers to a manifesto written by Russian revolutionary Sergey Nechayev between April and August 1869.

Sergey Nechayev photo

“By a revolution, the Society does not mean an orderly revolt according to the classic western model – a revolt which always stops short of attacking the rights of property and the traditional social systems of so-called civilization and morality. Until now, such a revolution has always limited itself to the overthrow of one political form in order to replace it by another, thereby attempting to bring about a so-called revolutionary state. The only form of revolution beneficial to the people is one which destroys the entire State to the roots and exterminated all the state traditions, institutions, and classes in Russia.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“The revolutionary can have no friendship or attachment, except for those who have proved by their actions that they, like him, are dedicated to revolution.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“Our task is terrible, total, universal, and merciless destruction.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“To weld the people into one single unconquerable and all-destructive force – this is our aim, our conspiracy, and our task.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“The women who are completely on our side – i. e., those who are wholly dedicated and who have accepted our program in its entirety. We should regard these women as the most valuable or our treasures; without their help, we would never succeed.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“Therefore, in drawing closer to the people, we must above all make common cause with those elements of the masses which, since the foundation of the state of Muscovy, have never ceased to protest, not only in words but in deeds, against everything directly or indirectly connected with the state: against the nobility, the bureaucracy, the clergy, the traders, and the parasitic kulaks. We must unite with the adventurous tribes of brigands, who are the only genuine revolutionaries in Russia.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“Tyrannical towards himself, he must be tyrannical towards others. All the gentle and enervating sentiments of kind ship, love, friendship, gratitude and even honor must be suppressed in him and give place to the cold and single minded passion for revolution.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

Sergey Nechayev photo

“He should not hesitate to destroy any position, any place, or any man in this world.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)
Context: The revolutionary enters the world of the State, of the privileged classes, of the so-called civilization, and he lives in this world only for the purpose of bringing about its speedy and total destruction. He is not a revolutionary if he has any sympathy for this world. He should not hesitate to destroy any position, any place, or any man in this world. He must hate everyone and everything in it with an equal hatred. All the worse for him if he has any relations with parents, friends, or lovers; he is no longer a revolutionary if he is swayed by these relationships.

Sergey Nechayev photo

“Immoral and criminal is everything that stands in its way.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)
Context: The revolutionary despises public opinion. He despises and hates the existing social morality in all its manifestations. For him, morality is everything which contributes to the triumph of the revolution. Immoral and criminal is everything that stands in its way.

Sergey Nechayev photo

“The Society has no aim other than the complete liberation and happiness of the masses – i. e., of the people who live by manual labor.”

Sergey Nechayev book Catechism of a Revolutionary

Catechism of a Revolutionary (1869)

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