This quote by Vladimir Lenin suggests that the transformation of communists into bureaucrats is a threat to the survival of the ideology itself. Here, Lenin is expressing concern over the potential for the original intentions of the communist ideal to be corrupted by the bureaucracy, which can lead to inefficiency, corruption, and the loss of revolutionary fervor.

Communism, as an ideology, is based on the principles of collective ownership and the absence of social classes. However, bureaucracy often leads to the creation of a class of officials who may not always act in the best interests of the collective, but rather their own. This could lead to a distortion of the original communist principles, thus undermining the ideology from within.

Lenin’s quote can be seen as a warning against losing sight of one’s original intentions and principles. When applied to today’s world, it can serve as a reminder for any organization, society, or individual. It suggests that one should remain vigilant against becoming too immersed in systems and processes at the expense of the core values and goals. In personal development, it could mean that while it’s important to create systems and routines to achieve our goals, we should not let these systems become so rigid that they stifle our growth and prevent us from staying true to our values.

In the context of contemporary politics, this quote can be seen as a critique of any political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few bureaucrats, leading to a disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. It’s a call for transparency, accountability, and staying true to the principles that underpin any political or social system.