My Disillusionment In Russia — Emma Goldman

The decision to record my experiences observations and reactions during my stay in Russia I had made long before I thought of leaving that country In fact that was my main reason for departing from that tragically heroic land The strongest of us are loath to give up a long cherished dream I had come to Russia possessed by the hope that I should find a new born country with its people wholly consecrated to the great though very difficult task of revolutionary reconstruction And I had fervently hoped that I might become an active part of the inspiring work I found reality in Russia grotesque totally unlike the great ideal that had borne me upon the crest of high hope to the land of promise It required fifteen long months before I could get my bearings Each day each week each month added new links to the fatal chain that pulled down my cherished edifice I fought desperately against the disillusionment For a long Pg vi time I strove against the still voice within me which urged me to face the overpowering facts I would not and could not give up

The decision to record my experiences observations and reactions during my stay in Russia I had made long before I thought of leaving that country In fact that was my main reason for departing from that tragically heroic land The strongest of us are loath to give up a long cherished dream I had come to Russia possessed by the hope that I should find a new born country with its people wholly consecrated to the great though very difficult task of revolutionary reconstruction And I had fervently hoped that I might become an active part of the inspiring work I found reality in Russia grotesque totally unlike the great ideal that had borne me upon the crest of high hope to the land of promise It required fifteen long months before I could get my bearings Each day each week each month added new links to the fatal chain that pulled down my cherished edifice I fought desperately against the disillusionment For a long Pg vi time I strove against the still voice within me which urged me to face the overpowering facts I would not and could not give up

My Disillusionment in Russia is Emma Goldman s powerful and personal account of her shattered hopes following the Russian Revolution Traveling to Russia as a passionate supporter of revolutionary ideals Goldman soon confronts the harsh reality behind the promises of freedom and equality In this revealing work she examines censorship repression state violence and the impact of revolution on individual lives Through firsthand experience Goldman exposes how revolutionary ideals can be transformed into authoritarian control while reaffirming the essential value of freedom and human dignity Honest courageous and deeply insightful My Disillusionment in Russia remains a vital work on revolution power and the true meaning of freedom

My Disillusionment in Russia is Emma Goldman s powerful and personal account of her shattered hopes following the Russian Revolution Traveling to Russia as a passionate supporter of revolutionary ideals Goldman soon confronts the harsh reality behind the promises of freedom and equality In this revealing work she examines censorship repression state violence and the impact of revolution on individual lives Through firsthand experience Goldman exposes how revolutionary ideals can be transformed into authoritarian control while reaffirming the essential value of freedom and human dignity Honest courageous and deeply insightful My Disillusionment in Russia remains a vital work on revolution power and the true meaning of freedom

My Disillusionment in Russia is Emma Goldman s powerful and personal account of her shattered hopes following the Russian Revolution Traveling to Russia as a passionate supporter of revolutionary ideals Goldman soon confronts the harsh reality behind the promises of freedom and equality In this revealing work she examines censorship repression state violence and the impact of revolution on individual lives Through firsthand experience Goldman exposes how revolutionary ideals can be transformed into authoritarian control while reaffirming the essential value of freedom and human dignity Honest courageous and deeply insightful My Disillusionment in Russia remains a vital work on revolution power and the true meaning of freedom

The decision to record my experiences observations and reactions during my stay in Russia I had made long before I thought of leaving that country In fact that was my main reason for departing from that tragically heroic land The strongest of us are loath to give up a long cherished dream I had come to Russia possessed by the hope that I should find a new born country with its people wholly consecrated to the great though very difficult task of revolutionary reconstruction And I had fervently hoped that I might become an active part of the inspiring work I found reality in Russia grotesque totally unlike the great ideal that had borne me upon the crest of high hope to the land of promise It required fifteen long months before I could get my bearings Each day each week each month added new links to the fatal chain that pulled down my cherished edifice I fought desperately against the disillusionment For a long Pg vi time I strove against the still voice within me which urged me to face the overpowering facts I would not and could not give up