What are the best ML arguments against “great men” or a tightly organized elite being the drivers of history, who allegedly drive “the masses”? I am struggling to see how so many revolutions would have succeeded merely by waiting for the masses to rise up by themselves? I am still trying to learn and can’t understand why ML condemns elite theory, or am I not getting something? Sorry still a bit new and trying to learn, thank you in advance!
A person is only as great as the group of people standing with them.
Take Alexander - now remove his generals, his tutors, his retainers, his officials, his servants, his soldiers, his subjects, his slaves, and even his horse.
What is left? Just a man with a sword. Where is the greatness in that? Can he still build an empire from Egypt to India? Of course not.
History is written by collectives; change is brought about by collectives. There may be one name & face that stands out above others but this doesn’t mean it’s the only one that matters.
Lenin wasn’t alone. Stalin wasn’t alone. Mao wasn’t alone.
We are not alone and that’s exactly why we’re a threat to those in power.
Great example, thank you!