Leon Trotsky Essay

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“Being a leader often requires more than talent and ability” is clearly demonstrated by the life of Leon Trotsky; although his supreme talent and ability allowed him to rise to prominence, the traits he possessed were insufficient alone to carry him into the highest office in the land. Trotsky’s characteristic organizational, oratorical and literary skills were undermined by his lack of understanding of the counter-revolution (led by Stalin) and his inexperience as a political leader. Ultimately, the statement is highly accurate as Trotsky’s talent and ability were eclipsed by the superior machinations and political cunning of Stalin following Lenin’s death. Trotsky’s oratorical and literary skills were impeccable tools in gaining prominence prior to the Russian Revolution; his passionate oratory roused audiences and swept away his opponents. Bertrand Patenaude, “one of the most careful critics among recent biographers stated that Trotsky himself was able to win over “vast crowds of workers, soldiers, and sailors in Petrograd with his spellbinding oratory” in 1917. Trotsky soon became invaluable to Lenin who also intended for a Social Revolution within Russia since Trotsky "spoke everywhere simultaneously”. Additionally, through Lenin’s encouragement, Trotsky wrote for the Marxist newspaper, Iskra Trotsky gave a public speech in Whitechapel, debating with Russian exiles. This was one of the many speeches that was soon to give him popularity within Russia, driven by the Lenin’s motive to ‘whip the street with his voice’ as a means of consolidating early Bolshevik power. The notion that Trotsky’s oratorical and literary skill allowed him to rise to prominence and soon the highest of offices can be underlined through Trotsky’s own ... ... middle of paper ... ...ent came - for him, it only came once - with the necessary determination." Even Trotsky himself stresses that power is made by close relationships: "power is not a prize which the most 'skillful' win. Power is a relationship between individuals, in the last analysis between classes." Hence, Trotsky lacked political capacity and nature, which could have leaded him to highest office of land. In conclusion, Trotsky was able to highlight that he possessed both ability and talent through his organizational skills made by the Red Army, his oratical and literacy skills respectively. However, he lacked understanding of the counter revolution and a firm political nature. Therefore, the most talented and able to men do not always rise to the highest office in the land, due to their contributions being halted by their flaws which, in turn, inhibit their own growth of power.

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