Bela Kun Quotes

Powerful Bela Kun for Daily Growth

About Bela Kun

Béla Kun (1886-1939) was a Hungarian Marxist revolutionary, one of the most significant figures in the history of Hungary's Communist movement. Born on February 20, 1886, in Szabadszállás, Hungary, he grew up in a Jewish family and was exposed to radical political ideas from an early age. His father was a teacher and his mother, a seamstress. Kun excelled in his studies, eventually earning a law degree from the University of Budapest. Kun's political journey began in earnest during his university years when he joined the Hungarian Social Democratic Party (MSDP). He was influenced by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin's ideas on socialism and workers' rights. In 1917, Kun moved to Russia where he met Lenin, joining the Russian Communist Party and learning from the Bolsheviks' successful revolution. Upon his return to Hungary in 1918, Kun became a leading figure in the Hungarian Communist Party. He played a key role in the Hungarian Soviet Republic, serving as its first Prime Minister from March to August 1919. During this brief period, Kun implemented radical socialist reforms, nationalizing industries and granting women's suffrage. However, the regime was short-lived due to military intervention by forces of the Entente Powers. After the fall of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, Kun went into exile in Austria and Germany. He continued to advocate for communism but was eventually arrested by the Nazis in 1938. Kun died on August 8, 1939, in a detention camp in Berlin. Kun's major works include "The Russian Revolution" (written with György Lukács), "Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Hungary," and "The Communist International." His legacy remains controversial in Hungary, with some viewing him as a hero of the revolution and others seeing him as a dictator. Nevertheless, Béla Kun's life and works continue to inspire discussions on socialism, revolution, and political change.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In times like these, it is better to fight for principles that cannot be realized than to live comfortably on principles that are not worth fighting for."

This quote emphasizes the importance of standing for strong values and principles, even if they seem unattainable or difficult to realize, over living a comfortable life based on weak or insignificant beliefs. Bela Kun is suggesting that compromising one's ideals for comfort can lead to a life devoid of meaning and purpose, while the pursuit of worthy principles, though challenging, has the potential to bring personal fulfillment and contribute positively to society.


"The oppressed are allowed once chance in history to do battle against their oppressors. If they fail, they lose the right to revolt forever."

This quote by Bela Kun emphasizes the limited opportunity for those who are oppressed to fight against their suppressors. The 'one chance' he refers to is a critical moment in history where the power dynamics can be challenged. If the oppressed fail to seize this opportunity, they lose their right to future revolt, suggesting that they must act decisively when given the chance or face permanent subjugation. This underscores the importance of taking action during moments of social unrest and empowering those who have been historically marginalized.


"We have only one goal: power, and we will reach it by any means necessary."

This quote by Bela Kun underscores a ruthless determination to achieve political power. The "any means necessary" implies an unwavering commitment to the goal, regardless of moral or ethical considerations, reflecting a pragmatic approach to seizing control and wielding authority. It's important to note that while ambition for power can be a driving force in history, the methods used to attain it can have profound and lasting impacts on society, both positive and negative.


"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."

This quote suggests that a revolution, unlike a naturally occurring event, doesn't happen spontaneously when conditions are right (like an apple falling from a tree). Instead, it requires active effort by the people involved. It implies that if a society desires change, they must take action to instigate and bring about the revolution themselves. In essence, it's a call to action for those seeking change in their society.


"Revolutions do not go back on their achievements."

This quote by Bela Kun suggests that the progress made during a revolution, whether political or societal, is permanent and irreversible. It implies that once change has been enacted through revolutionary means, it should not be undone or reversed to previous conditions. The achievements of a revolution symbolize significant advancements for society and its people, and these advancements are expected to persist into the future.


I also had a mistaken attitude towards certain comrades.

- Bela Kun

Had, Also, Towards, Comrades

My personal influence in the Revolutionary Governing Council is such that the dictatorship of the proletariat is firmly established, since the masses are backing me.

- Bela Kun

Established, Firmly, Proletariat

As to Magyar, I think that my speech was incorrect, inappropriate.

- Bela Kun

Think, I Think, Incorrect, Inappropriate

I do not think that I am a person who cannot be trusted.

- Bela Kun

I Am, Think, Person, Trusted

It is correct that I overlooked the contamination of the party, not just now but also in the past.

- Bela Kun

Past, In The Past, Correct, Overlooked

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.