Meaning: This quote by Herman Gorter, a Dutch poet and socialist, touches upon the idea of finding and nurturing leaders who truly understand and represent the masses. It emphasizes the need for leaders to be deeply connected to the people they lead, and highlights the role of political parties and trade unions in this process. Gorter's words reflect the importance of a genuine and symbiotic relationship between leaders and the masses, and the necessity of a rigorous and introspective struggle to achieve this unity.

In this quote, Gorter underscores the idea that effective leaders must be in tune with the needs, aspirations, and struggles of the masses they seek to lead. He suggests that true leadership cannot be imposed from above, but rather must emerge from a deep understanding and connection with the people. This aligns with socialist and communist ideologies that prioritize the empowerment of the working class and the collective participation in governance and decision-making processes.

Gorter's emphasis on the role of political parties and trade unions in the cultivation of such leaders highlights the importance of organized collective action and representation. These institutions serve as platforms for the masses to assert their interests, voice their concerns, and select leaders who genuinely reflect their values and experiences. Gorter's perspective aligns with the belief that the working class should have a direct stake in shaping the leadership that represents them, rather than being governed by detached or self-serving elites.

Furthermore, Gorter's mention of "the most severe struggle, also inwardly" suggests that the process of finding and rearing leaders who are truly one with the masses is not merely external or superficial. It involves an internal, ideological, and moral struggle within the leaders themselves. This notion implies that authentic leadership requires a deep personal commitment to understanding and empathizing with the experiences of the masses, and a willingness to confront and challenge one's own assumptions and privileges.

Gorter's quote also resonates with the broader historical and political context of his time. As a prominent figure in the early 20th century socialist and labor movements, Gorter witnessed the tumultuous social and political upheavals that accompanied the rise of industrialization and the struggles of the working class. His words reflect the urgency of the era, characterized by labor disputes, revolutionary fervor, and the quest for greater social and economic justice.

In conclusion, Herman Gorter's quote encapsulates the timeless aspiration for leaders who are deeply connected to the masses they represent. It underscores the importance of genuine solidarity, collective empowerment, and internal introspection in the process of nurturing such leaders. By emphasizing the pivotal roles of political parties, trade unions, and the masses themselves, Gorter's words echo the enduring quest for authentic and inclusive leadership that remains relevant in contemporary discussions of governance, representation, and social justice.