It’s common here to criticize Great Man Theory, in that it’s not just one person that caused changes, it’s many. However, where I’m lost is where they further imply that things happening have absolutely nothing to do with individual choice, and material conditions are the only thing that matters. This really just sounds like predestination with extra steps, as in, your material conditions will choose whatever actions you take, which completely loses me.
The logical conclusion to this mindset is that organization and trying to do political action is pointless, after all, material conditions will either make it happen or not make it happen, which I don’t think anyone is trying to say.
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View all comments A few things here:
- Great Man Theory is the statement that singular individuals shape history. You can believe that classes and groups can change history without believing individuals do. It is the recognition that one person cannot create change on their own, but that with enough comrades, they can change the world today.
- Material conditions are the road upon which we walk - they determine where the option to turn appears, but they are not our feet or minds. We choose whether to take the turn or continue on the road we walk.
- Most of the time, we are overdetermined, but that is why we organize - so in those rare moments when we are not overdetermined, we are prepared to act decisively.
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