Meaning: The quote is attributed to Herman Gorter, a Dutch poet and a prominent figure in the early 20th-century European socialist movement. Gorter was a member of the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) in the Netherlands and later became a key figure in the Dutch communist movement. This quote is taken from a letter he wrote to Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party and the architect of the Russian Revolution.

In this quote, Gorter is addressing a difference in understanding or interpretation of a certain concept between himself and the recipient of the letter, presumably Lenin. The quote suggests that both parties are aware of this difference, but Gorter feels that the recipient has not drawn the necessary conclusions from it, particularly in relation to tactics in Western Europe.

Gorter's reference to "the tactics in Western Europe" likely pertains to the strategies and approaches employed by socialist and communist movements in Western European countries. During the early 20th century, socialist and communist parties in Western Europe were grappling with questions of revolutionary strategy, mass mobilization, and engagement with parliamentary systems. Gorter's assertion that the recipient failed to draw conclusions for tactics in Western Europe suggests a divergence in strategic thinking or an oversight in applying certain principles or insights to the specific context of Western European politics and society.

To better understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to consider the broader historical and political context in which Gorter and Lenin were operating. The early 20th century was a period of intense ideological ferment and political upheaval across Europe. The Russian Revolution of 1917 had sent shockwaves throughout the continent, inspiring radical movements and challenging the established order. Socialist and communist parties were seeking to navigate the complex terrain of revolutionary change, class struggle, and the dynamics of power in their respective countries.

Lenin, as the leader of the successful Bolshevik Revolution and the head of the newly formed Soviet state, was a towering figure in the international socialist movement. His writings and pronouncements on revolutionary strategy and tactics carried significant weight and influence among socialist and communist parties worldwide. Gorter, as a committed revolutionary and thinker, was actively engaged in the debates and discussions surrounding the future of socialism and the paths to revolutionary transformation.

The quote reflects Gorter's willingness to engage in critical dialogue with Lenin, expressing his viewpoint on the application of revolutionary tactics in Western Europe. It also underscores the complexities and divergences within the socialist and communist movements of the time, as different factions and leaders grappled with the challenges of revolutionary praxis in their specific national contexts.

Gorter's emphasis on the importance of drawing conclusions from the acknowledged difference suggests a concern with the practical implications of theoretical and strategic divergence. His reference to "at least as far as I am able to judge from your works" indicates that his assessment is based on his reading of the recipient's writings and actions. This highlights the role of intellectual exchange and the interpretation of theoretical texts in shaping revolutionary praxis and political strategies.

In conclusion, Herman Gorter's quote encapsulates a moment of critical engagement and dialogue within the socialist and communist movements of the early 20th century. It points to the complexities of revolutionary strategy and the challenges of applying universal principles to specific national contexts. The quote invites further exploration of the ideological and strategic debates that animated the socialist and communist movements of the time, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and approaches within the broader revolutionary project.