"بدون نظرية ثورية لا يمكن أن تكون هناك حركة ثورية."

Revolutionary movements don’t just spring out of thin air—they need a solid foundation of ideas and principles to guide them. This means that to create any significant change, you first need a clear and robust understanding of why the change is necessary and how it should be achieved. It’s like trying to build a house without a blueprint; you might get something that stands, but it’s unlikely to be stable or well-constructed.

This thought can be traced back to the early 20th century, during a time of intense political upheaval and ideological struggle. It was notably emphasized by Lenin, a key figure in the Russian Revolution. He argued that without a clear, well-developed theoretical framework, any attempt at a revolutionary movement would be directionless and doomed to fail. This was a period when various political ideologies—capitalism, socialism, communism—were clashing, and having a strong theoretical underpinning was crucial to rallying people and steering the movement towards its goals.

Let's bring this idea down to a more personal, relatable level with a real-life example. Think about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t just appeal to people’s emotions; they had a well-thought-out philosophy rooted in nonviolent resistance, heavily influenced by the teachings of Gandhi. This theory wasn’t just about what they were fighting against (segregation and racial injustice) but also about the method of their protest. Without this guiding principle, the movement might not have had the same impact or coherence.

If you’re looking to apply this wisdom in your own life, start by thoroughly understanding the issues you’re passionate about. Do your research, read widely, and engage with different perspectives. Let’s say you want to start a movement to combat climate change. It’s not enough to just say, “We need to save the planet.” You need to understand the science behind climate change, the socio-economic factors that contribute to it, and the various theories about the best ways to address it. By building a strong theoretical foundation, you’ll be better equipped to persuade others and create a structured, effective movement.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, trying to convince them to join you in this environmental crusade. You could simply appeal to their sense of morality—“Don’t you care about the planet?”—but that might not be enough. Instead, what if you laid out a clear, evidence-based argument, showing how unchecked industrial practices lead to global warming, which in turn affects agriculture, health, and even global stability? You could then explain various strategies, like promoting renewable energy or supporting sustainable farming practices, grounding your suggestions in solid research and theory. Your friend is much more likely to be convinced and motivated to join you if they see that you’ve done your homework and have a clear plan.

So, the takeaway here is pretty straightforward: if you want to create meaningful change, you need to start with a strong theoretical foundation. Don’t just rush in with passion and good intentions. Take the time to understand the issue deeply, develop a coherent strategy, and then use that knowledge to guide your actions. This approach doesn’t just apply to large-scale political movements but can be useful in all areas of life—whether you’re advocating for a new policy at work, starting a community project, or even just trying to change a personal habit. Knowledge and theory are your tools; use them wisely.