Meaning: This quote by Friedrich Engels, a philosopher and political theorist, delves into the relationship between the proletariat, the State, and the concept of freedom. Engels was a collaborator of Karl Marx and together they developed the theory of Marxism, which heavily influenced socialist and communist movements. This quote reflects the Marxist perspective on the State and its role in the context of class struggle.

Engels begins by asserting that the proletariat, or the working class, uses the State not to promote freedom, but rather to suppress its adversaries. In the Marxist framework, the State is seen as an instrument of the ruling class to maintain its power and control over the working class. Engels argues that the proletariat, upon gaining control of the State, uses it to subdue and oppress those who oppose its interests. This reflects the Marxist belief that the State serves the dominant class and perpetuates the existing social and economic order.

The notion that the State is used to hold down adversaries aligns with the Marxist theory of the State as a tool of coercion and domination. According to Marx and Engels, the State, including its institutions and apparatus, exists to protect the interests of the ruling class and maintain the existing system of exploitation. In this context, the proletariat's use of the State to suppress adversaries can be understood as a means of challenging the entrenched power structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

Engels then introduces the idea that as soon as it becomes possible to speak of freedom, the State as such ceases to exist. This notion encapsulates the Marxist vision of a stateless society, often referred to as communism. In Marxist theory, the State is considered to be a product of class antagonisms and is anticipated to wither away once class distinctions and social hierarchies are abolished. This concept is rooted in the belief that the State is a mechanism of class rule and will no longer be necessary in a society where the common interests of the people are prioritized over the interests of a ruling class.

The quote reflects Engels' vision of a future society where freedom prevails and the need for a repressive State apparatus diminishes. It encapsulates the Marxist belief in the potential for a classless, stateless society where individuals are no longer subjugated by the coercive power of the State. This idea has been a foundational principle for socialist and communist movements, inspiring visions of a society free from oppression and exploitation.

In summary, Friedrich Engels' quote provides insight into the Marxist perspective on the State, the proletariat, and the concept of freedom. It reflects the belief that the proletariat uses the State to suppress its adversaries and that the State, as an instrument of class rule, will cease to exist in a future society characterized by freedom and equality. Engels' words continue to provoke contemplation and debate on the nature of the State, freedom, and the potential for a fundamentally transformed social order.