The Trouble with Communism is the Communists, Just as the Trouble with Christianity is the Christians

“The trouble with Communism is the Communists, Source just as the trouble with Christianity is the Christians.”

Political wit often reveals uncomfortable truths about human nature. This specific observation separates an ideology from the people who practice it. It suggests that noble ideas often fail because humans are inherently flawed. For decades, readers have shared this quote to highlight hypocrisy in both political and religious circles. While many famous figures have critiqued communism, this sharp comparison belongs to H.L. Mencken.

Mencken was a legendary American journalist and social critic. He earned a reputation for attacking established institutions with glee. Consequently, he spared neither the political left nor the religious right. His observation remains relevant today because it addresses a timeless problem. We often judge a philosophy by the behavior of its followers rather than its written tenets.

Uncovering the Source of the Quote

History provides a clear paper trail for this famous line. It originates from a specific media appearance in the mid-20th century. Specifically, Mencken delivered this thought during an interview with LIFE magazine. The article, titled “Mr. Mencken Sounds Off,” appeared on newsstands in August 1946.

Roger Butterfield conducted the interview. He captured the aging writer in a reflective yet combative mood. At the time, the world was just recovering from World War II. Tensions regarding the Soviet Union were rising. Yet, Mencken chose to focus his ire on the individuals rather than the geopolitical threat.

He spoke candidly while smoking his trademark cigar. Source The interview format allowed him to ramble on various topics. . This documentation proves he is the definitive author. While others have paraphrased the sentiment, Mencken gave it this specific, balanced structure.

Mencken’s Surprising View on Theory

Modern readers might assume Mencken hated the very concept of communism. However, the interview reveals a nuanced perspective. He actually expressed a level of tolerance for the abstract theory. He admitted that a society without a profit motive didn’t bother him personally.

In fact, he claimed to care little for material wealth himself. He argued that owning too much property became a burden rather than a joy. Therefore, the economic foundation of communism did not offend his sensibilities. He could theoretically imagine a world where it worked.

His objection was entirely practical. He did not believe the people promoting the revolution were honest. In his view, they did not actually care about the working class or economic equality. Instead, he saw them as grifters. He believed they simply wanted to seize power for themselves. Thus, the “trouble” was the human element, not the Marxist text.

The Parallel with Christianity

Mencken strengthened his argument by dragging religion into the mix. This was a classic move for the “Sage of Baltimore.” He frequently criticized religious fundamentalism throughout his career. By comparing Communists to Christians, he highlighted a universal pattern of failure.

He argued that both groups suffered from the same defect. Adherents of both systems rarely lived up to their own standards. Christians preached love and poverty but often practiced hate and greed. Similarly, Communists preached equality but practiced tyranny.

Mencken viewed these advocates as insincere. He claimed they were motivated by self-interest rather than true belief. Consequently, he felt they contaminated the message. A perfect system becomes corrupt the moment imperfect people try to implement it. This cynicism was a hallmark of Mencken’s writing style. He trusted no one who claimed to have the moral high ground.

Contrasting Views: Martin Luther King Jr.

Other historical figures analyzed these systems differently. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. also critiqued communism during the Cold War era. However, his reasoning stood in stark contrast to Mencken’s cynical approach.

King did not just Source blame the “Communists.” He found fault with the philosophy itself. In his sermons and writings, he argued that the system lacked a necessary spiritual foundation. .

King believed the ideology stripped humans of their individual value. He felt it turned people into cogs in a state machine. Therefore, even if the “Communists” were perfect people, King believed the system would still fail. Mencken, conversely, focused on the hypocrisy of the messengers. This distinction is vital for understanding political history. One critic attacked the structure; the other attacked the personnel.

Why the Quote Endures

We continue to quote Mencken because his observation applies to almost any movement. It captures the frustration we feel when leaders betray their own principles. We see this dynamic in modern politics constantly. A politician might champion environmentalism while flying on private jets.

Similarly, a business leader might preach austerity while taking a massive bonus. Mencken’s formula works for any group. The trouble with [Group X] is usually the members of [Group X]. It serves as a reminder to separate ideals from actions.

Furthermore, the quote validates our skepticism. It tells us that it is okay to doubt the loud voices in any room. Just because someone claims to represent a virtue does not mean they possess it. Mencken gave us the language to call out this bluff.

The Legacy of H.L. Mencken

Mencken’s wit often overshadowed his serious scholarship. He was a student of language as much as a critic of politics. His ability to turn a phrase made him one of the most influential writers of his generation.

This particular quote showcases his linguistic skill. The parallel structure makes it memorable. It balances two heavy concepts—religion and politics—on a single fulcrum. Moreover, it insults two massive groups of people in one breath.

This efficiency is why the quote survives. It is pithy, rude, and arguably accurate. It forces the reader to pause and reflect. We must ask ourselves if we are the “trouble” in the causes we support.

Conclusion

H.L. Mencken left behind a treasure trove of biting commentary. His 1946 interview with LIFE magazine gave us a definitive diagnosis of ideological failure. He correctly identified that human nature often ruins the best-laid plans.

By comparing the failures of Communists to those of Christians, he highlighted a universal truth. Hypocrisy knows no political or religious bounds. The ideas might be sound, but the people are often broken. Ultimately, this quote challenges us to align our actions with our beliefs.

Quote Me, maybe?

the quote G.O.A.T.