Meaning: The quote by Karl Radek, a prominent Bolshevik politician and a close associate of Lenin, sheds light on the opposition of certain individuals or groups towards socialism. Radek suggests that the hostility of such parties or individuals is not merely due to ignorance or lack of understanding of socialism, but rather stems from their adherence to bourgeois ideas and their desire to shape their policies in line with such beliefs.

Radek's assertion carries significant implications regarding the resistance to socialism during his time and even in contemporary society. It underscores the idea that opposition to socialism is not solely a result of lack of knowledge about its principles, but rather a conscious alignment with capitalist or bourgeois ideologies. This perspective challenges the commonly held notion that opposition to socialism is primarily rooted in misunderstanding or misinformation about its tenets.

The quote also points to the notion of class consciousness and the influence of social and economic backgrounds on political ideologies. Radek suggests that those who harbor enmity towards socialism are influenced by bourgeois ideas, indicating a class-based division in the interpretation of political and economic systems. This observation aligns with the Marxist perspective on the role of class interests in shaping political beliefs and actions.

In addition to highlighting the influence of class interests, Radek's quote raises questions about the nature of ideological opposition. It implies that the resistance to socialism is not merely a result of differing opinions or perspectives, but rather a deliberate adherence to a particular set of ideas that are inherently opposed to socialist principles. This challenges the notion of ideological neutrality and suggests that political opposition is often rooted in deeper ideological and class-based considerations.

Furthermore, Radek's quote invites reflection on the role of political agency and conscious decision-making in shaping opposition to socialism. By asserting that individuals or parties "wish to determine their policy accordingly" based on bourgeois ideas, Radek emphasizes the active role played by those who oppose socialism in aligning their policies with a specific ideological framework. This underscores the agency and intent behind political opposition, suggesting that it is not merely a passive stance but an active decision to uphold certain beliefs and values.

In conclusion, Karl Radek's quote provides valuable insights into the nature of opposition to socialism, highlighting the influence of bourgeois ideas, class consciousness, and deliberate policy determination in shaping enmity towards socialist principles. It challenges simplistic explanations of opposition based on ignorance and emphasizes the active role played by individuals and groups in aligning their political stance with specific ideological and class-based considerations.