Meaning: The quote by Herman Gorter, a Dutch poet and Marxist theoretician, reflects the strategic and tactical considerations of the proletariat in Western Europe during the early 20th century. Gorter was a prominent figure in the Dutch socialist movement and a key member of the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) in the Netherlands. His quote underscores the isolation of the proletariat in Western Europe at that time and raises questions about the implications of this isolation for the proletariat's struggle for emancipation.

In this quote, Gorter draws attention to the unique position of the proletariat in Western Europe, emphasizing the absence of any potential support or solidarity from other social classes. This observation underscores the challenges faced by the proletariat in their pursuit of social and economic transformation. The absence of external support or alliances places the burden of revolutionary change squarely on the shoulders of the working class, highlighting the need for strategic clarity and determination in their struggle against capitalism and exploitation.

Gorter's quote reflects a critical assessment of the class dynamics and power relations within Western European society. It acknowledges the lack of a natural ally for the proletariat and the absence of a broader coalition that could provide additional strength and resources for the struggle. This recognition of isolation raises important questions about the tactics and strategies that the proletariat should adopt in the absence of external support.

The quote also points to the need for the proletariat to rely on its own agency and organizational capacities in challenging the existing social order. Gorter's emphasis on the proletariat standing "all alone" suggests a call for self-reliance and internal unity within the working class. This self-reliance implies the necessity of building strong and independent working-class organizations, such as trade unions and socialist parties, to mobilize and coordinate the struggle for social change.

Furthermore, Gorter's quote invites reflection on the potential consequences of the proletariat's isolation and the strategic choices it entails. The absence of external support may necessitate a reevaluation of traditional revolutionary tactics and a focus on building internal solidarity and resilience. It may also require a deeper understanding of the specific conditions and contradictions within Western European capitalism, as well as a reassessment of the potential sources of strength and leverage available to the proletariat.

In sum, Gorter's quote encapsulates a sobering assessment of the proletariat's position in Western Europe during his time. It raises important considerations about the tactical and strategic implications of the proletariat's isolation and the imperative for self-reliance and internal unity. Gorter's reflections continue to resonate as a thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing debates about class struggle and revolutionary tactics within the Marxist tradition.