Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Ernest Mandel, a Marxist economist and revolutionary socialist thinker. In this quote, Mandel is discussing the concept of self-organization and its relationship to revolutionary crises. He argues that it is only in times of revolutionary crises that the highest level of self-organization is achieved. Mandel specifically references the "Soviet type of organization," which he describes as workers' councils, people's councils, or popular committees.

Mandel's quote reflects the idea that during periods of significant social and political upheaval, individuals and groups are compelled to organize themselves in new and innovative ways in order to address the challenges they face. The term "Soviet" in this context refers to the historical experience of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent establishment of workers' councils, or "soviets," as a key component of the revolutionary movement. These councils were formed by workers, soldiers, and peasants to represent their interests and coordinate their actions during the revolutionary period.

Mandel suggests that the self-organization that emerges in revolutionary crises represents a distinct form of organization, characterized by direct participation, grassroots democracy, and a focus on meeting the needs of the working class and broader popular masses. This type of organization stands in contrast to hierarchical and bureaucratic forms of governance and reflects the aspirations of those seeking to fundamentally transform society.

The concept of workers' councils and similar forms of self-organization has been a recurring theme in socialist and revolutionary thought. Proponents of this approach argue that it provides a means for ordinary people to exercise direct control over their own lives and the functioning of society, without the need for intermediaries or representatives. This vision of self-organization is rooted in the belief that the working class and oppressed groups have the capacity to collectively manage social and economic affairs in their own interests.

Mandel's reference to "popular committees" and the suggestion to "call them what you want" reflects the diverse forms that self-organization can take in different historical and cultural contexts. Whether labeled as councils, committees, assemblies, or by other names, the underlying principle is the same: the autonomous and participatory organization of the masses in pursuit of their collective interests.

The quote also implies that revolutionary crises serve as a catalyst for the emergence of this type of self-organization. In times of upheaval, existing social and political structures are called into question, creating openings for new forms of organization to take root. The breakdown of established power relations can create space for grassroots initiatives and popular movements to flourish, leading to the formation of alternative institutions and decision-making processes.

Mandel's perspective on self-organization and revolutionary crises reflects an optimism about the potential for transformative change to emerge from periods of upheaval. It suggests that in the midst of crisis, people are capable of coming together to create new forms of social organization that embody their aspirations for a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Ernest Mandel's quote captures the idea that revolutionary crises give rise to the highest level of self-organization, exemplified by workers' councils, people's councils, and popular committees. This form of organization represents a departure from traditional hierarchical structures and embodies the aspirations of ordinary people to directly manage their own affairs. It speaks to the potential for grassroots initiatives and popular movements to emerge during times of upheaval, offering a vision of participatory democracy and social transformation.