possible. Not a shadow of indication of any divergence in policy or ideas exists. A divergence of mood between people conducting politics or absorbed in struggle of the most frenzied character, and the mood of a person who has artificially driven himself into such a position that he cannot observe the new life, while the impressions of the decay of a vast capital of the bourgeoisie overwhelm him.

I have spoken to you frankly about my thoughts concerning your letter. From our conversations I have long been approaching those same thoughts, but your letter gave them form and completion, crowned the sum of impressions from your conversations. I do not wish to thrust advice upon you, but I cannot fail to say: radically change your surroundings, and your milieu, and your place of residence, and your occupation, otherwise life may become utterly repugnant to you.

I shake your hand firmly.

Your Lenin in the journal

Sent to Petrograd

First published in 1925

*Krasnaia Letopis'* No. 1

Printed from the manuscript