Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Herman Gorter, a Dutch poet and socialist. The quote seems to be discussing the vast amount of landed property in Russia that needed to be divided. This likely refers to the period of land reforms in Russia, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this time, Russia was undergoing significant social and political changes, including the emancipation of the serfs in 1861. This led to a redistribution of land, as the former serfs were granted plots of land, but the larger question of land ownership and distribution remained a major issue in Russian society.

The quote suggests that there was a substantial amount of land available for division in Russia. This included large estates owned by the nobility, crown lands owned by the monarchy, government-owned land, as well as estates held by the monasteries. The division of this land was a complex and contentious issue, as it involved questions of social justice, economic productivity, and political power.

The reference to "large estates" owned by the nobility speaks to the immense wealth and influence held by the Russian aristocracy. These estates often encompassed vast tracts of land, and their ownership was a source of power and privilege for the nobles. The division of these estates would have had significant implications for the social and economic structure of Russian society.

The mention of "crown lands" and "government land" highlights the role of the state in land ownership and management. The Russian government and the monarchy had control over extensive territories, and decisions about the division of these lands had far-reaching implications for governance and the allocation of resources.

Additionally, the reference to "estates held by the monasteries" speaks to the significant landholdings of the Russian Orthodox Church. The monasteries were major landowners, and their wealth and influence were deeply intertwined with the political and social fabric of Russia.

In the context of Gorter's socialist perspective, this quote may reflect his views on land ownership and the need for equitable distribution. Socialists often advocated for the redistribution of land and wealth to address inequalities and empower the working class. Gorter's observation about the "enormous amount of landed property to be divided" may be a commentary on the unequal concentration of land ownership and the potential for transformative change through land reform.

Overall, this quote from Herman Gorter captures the complexity of land ownership and division in Russia during a period of significant social and political upheaval. It reflects the profound implications of land reform for power dynamics, social justice, and economic structure in Russian society.