Meaning: This quote by Karl Radek, a prominent Bolshevik politician and a close associate of Vladimir Lenin, reflects on the dynamics of political and social movements within a society. Radek was an influential figure in the early years of the Soviet Union and played a significant role in shaping the policies and direction of the Bolshevik Party. The quote touches upon the complexities of social and political change, particularly in the context of labor movements and their evolution within a bourgeois society.

Radek's statement suggests that the emergence of a new social or political movement does not necessarily result in the immediate disappearance of existing structures or movements. In this case, he specifically refers to the labor movement, indicating that if a labor movement exists within a society on a bourgeois basis, the new awakening movement will not cause it to vanish suddenly. This observation underscores the nuanced and gradual nature of social change, highlighting the enduring influence of pre-existing movements and systems even in the face of new developments.

The reference to a "Labour movement, on a bourgeois basis" signifies a labor movement operating within a capitalist or bourgeois framework. Historically, labor movements have sought to improve the rights and conditions of workers within capitalist societies, often advocating for better wages, working hours, and overall labor conditions. Radek's acknowledgment of the existence of such a movement within a bourgeois society reflects an understanding of the complex interplay between labor interests and the prevailing economic and social structures.

Furthermore, Radek's assertion that the existing labor movement will not disappear all at once in the wake of a new awakening movement implies a recognition of the enduring influence and resilience of established social and political forces. This aligns with the Marxist view of historical development, which emphasizes the persistence of existing social relations and the gradual nature of societal transformation. Radek's perspective suggests that the coexistence and interaction of different social movements and structures are integral to understanding the dynamics of societal change.

In essence, Radek's quote encapsulates a nuanced understanding of the interactions between established social movements and emerging forces of change. It underscores the complexity of societal evolution and the enduring influence of existing structures, even in the face of new movements and developments. Radek's insights are rooted in the historical context of revolutionary upheaval and the challenges of navigating social and political change within a bourgeois society.

As a politician and ideologue deeply engaged in the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath, Radek's perspectives were shaped by the practical realities of revolutionary struggle and the complexities of societal transformation. His observations on the persistence of existing labor movements within bourgeois societies offer valuable insights into the dynamics of social change and the enduring influence of established social forces.

Overall, Radek's quote serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of social and political change, highlighting the interplay between established movements and emerging forces of transformation within a bourgeois society. It invites contemplation on the enduring legacies of historical movements and the gradual nature of societal evolution, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of social change and the resilience of established social structures.