“I am a Marxist Leninist and I will be one until the last day of my life.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“I am a Marxist Leninist and I will be one until the last day of my life.”
Explanation
This quote is a clear and unambiguous declaration of Fidel Castro’s ideological identity, affirming his lifelong commitment to Marxism-Leninism, the political philosophy based on the works of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. By stating, “I will be one until the last day of my life,” Castro emphasizes that his adherence to this doctrine is not tactical or temporary, but a core conviction that shaped every aspect of his leadership, policymaking, and worldview.
Historically, Castro’s alignment with Marxist-Leninist ideology became official in the early 1960s, following the success of the Cuban Revolution and his break with the United States. He adopted Marxism-Leninism as the guiding framework for building a classless society, promoting collective ownership, central planning, anti-imperialism, and international solidarity with other socialist movements. This ideological stance also placed Cuba firmly within the Soviet sphere during the Cold War, while adapting it to Cuba’s own context through initiatives like the healthcare and education systems.
In a modern context, this quote stands as a testament to ideological consistency in an age when many leaders shift positions for expediency. It also invites reflection on what it means to hold a political philosophy as a moral compass and enduring guide, particularly in the face of changing global tides, economic hardship, and geopolitical isolation. Castro’s words are a final affirmation that for him, socialism was not just a strategy—it was a lifelong belief in justice, equality, and revolutionary transformation.
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