Lenin

In the same way that the Russian Revolution replaced the French Revolution as the model and myth for modern revolutions, Lenin replaced Robespierre as the prototypic revolutionary personality. This chapter discusses that Lenin exemplifies asceticism made secular and revolutionary: He is Victorian asceticism turned mainly to political revolutionary ends. In any event, Lenin's personality is at one and the same time consistent and ambivalent. The theme of self-control, and control, is strong throughout Lenin's life, as is the fear of loss of control. Lenin's extreme dedication to industrialization emerges clearly once he is actually in power. Utilitarianism and puritan asceticism, both were put by Lenin in the service of industrializing and modernizing Russia. The social structure on which Lenin concentrated his real interest and innovation was the party. Lenin created the Bolshevik party, the collective "hero" who was to play the role of Machiavelli's Prince and create the new state.