What is the Difference Between Marx and Lenin?

The main differences between Marx and Lenin's ideas lie in their approaches to revolution, the role of the proletariat, and the implementation of socialism. Here are the key differences:

1. Approach to Revolution: Marxism sees revolution as a gradual process led by the working class, while Leninism views revolution as a more immediate and violent process led by a vanguard party of professional revolutionaries. Marxism predicted a spontaneous revolution by the proletariat, but Leninism insisted on the need for leadership by a vanguard party.
2. Role of the Proletariat: Marxism envisioned a revolution of proletarians in industrialized countries, while Leninism also emphasized the revolutionary potential of peasants in primarily agrarian countries.
3. Implementation of Socialism: Marxism predicted a temporary dictatorship of the proletariat, whereas Leninism, in practice, established a permanent dictatorship of the Communist Party. Marx believed that communism would be moneyless, while Lenin believed that a revolutionary vanguard must first create a socialist state that must use money.

In summary, Marxism focuses on a gradual, working-class-led revolution in industrialized countries, while Leninism emphasizes a more immediate, violent revolution led by a vanguard party and the involvement of peasants in agrarian countries. Leninism also introduces the concept of a permanent dictatorship of the Communist Party, which differs from Marx's idea of a temporary dictatorship of the proletariat.

Comparative Table: Marx vs Lenin

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Marxism and Leninism:

While both Marxism and Leninism share common roots in communist ideology, they differ in their approaches to revolution, class struggle, dictatorship, and the role of the state.