“In order to describe a spontaneous historical process, one must appeal to dialectics. To describe conscious-voluntary processes, another methodological apparatus must be used. In this case it is indispensable to know what the social plans (projects) are; how and why they are decided, how they are realized, how, by what means and according to what rules, the social management of people is practiced. This is not in contradiction with the dialectic, it is another orientation of the study of social objects.”

Soviet philosopher, writer, sociologist and journalist

Alexander Alexandrovich Zinoviev was a Soviet philosopher, writer, sociologist and journalist. He worked across several fields of thought and public writing, and is remembered for his social criticism and his wide-ranging commentary on Soviet life. His work brought together philosophy, sociology, journalism, and literature. He wrote about society and politics, often with a critical eye, and his name remains associated with sharp observations on the Soviet system and the world around it.