Meaning: The quote "When there is state there can be no freedom, but when there is freedom there will be no state" is a reflection of Vladimir Lenin's ideology on the relationship between state power and individual freedom. Lenin, a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution and the founding leader of the Soviet Union, was a key proponent of communism and believed in the establishment of a classless society through the abolition of the state.

In this quote, Lenin suggests that the existence of a state, with its centralized authority and control, inherently limits the freedom of individuals within that society. From his perspective, the state represents a form of organized power that imposes restrictions on the liberties and autonomy of the people. In this context, state control is seen as antithetical to true freedom, as it implies the presence of rules, regulations, and governance that can curtail individual agency and self-determination.

Lenin's assertion that "when there is freedom there will be no state" reflects his vision of a future communist society where the need for a state apparatus would diminish as people achieve true freedom. In a society characterized by genuine freedom, individuals would be able to govern themselves collectively, without the need for a centralized authority to enforce order or regulate their actions. This aligns with Lenin's communist ideals, which envisaged a society where the people collectively owned the means of production and governed themselves through democratic processes, ultimately rendering the state obsolete.

Lenin's perspective on the relationship between state and freedom was deeply rooted in his commitment to Marxism and his belief in the eventual "withering away" of the state. According to Marxist theory, the state is a tool of oppression used by the ruling class to maintain its dominance over the working class. As such, the ultimate goal of communism is to dismantle the state apparatus and establish a society where power is decentralized and shared among the people.

It is important to note that Lenin's views on the role of the state and freedom were shaped by the historical context of his time, particularly the oppressive rule of the Russian monarchy and the subsequent establishment of the Soviet state. His experiences with authoritarianism and the struggle for social and political change undoubtedly influenced his perspective on the limitations of state power and the potential for true freedom.

In contemporary discourse, Lenin's quote continues to provoke discussions about the nature of freedom, the role of the state, and the possibilities of achieving a society where individual liberties are fully realized. While some may interpret the quote as a call for the abolition of the state, others may view it as a critique of state power and a plea for greater individual freedoms within existing political systems.

In conclusion, Vladimir Lenin's quote "When there is state there can be no freedom, but when there is freedom there will be no state" encapsulates his vision of the relationship between state power and individual freedom, rooted in his commitment to communism and the eventual withering away of the state. It serves as a thought-provoking statement that continues to spark debates about the nature of governance, liberty, and the pursuit of a society where true freedom can be realized.