I've recently just came into Trotskyism. Before I had been pretty much against vanguardism and similar ideas. But as I continued in my thought process I found that unrealistic, as another member said to me, being apart of a class doesn't mean ideological unity. I basically came to the conclusion that with out a vanguard party, not much can be accomplished. I moved towards Trotskyism specifically because I feel like it presents the most balanced idea between the state, the masses, and the party. As well as having the most realistic strategy ro realize socialism.
It's something of the same for me. I was initially opposed to the vanguard, but then I migrated a bit, and began really studying the history of the Bolsheviks. Then I realized Trotsky was the obvious choice. Also the Arab Spring has show that the permanent revolution is possible.
Perminant Revolution is not only possible, but inevitable
I've been a communist for a few years, and for most of that, I was a Trotskyist. To be completely honest, when I started out, I knew nothing. And even now, I'm not going to claim to be an expert (but I know a bit). Chronologically, I went; 1. Started to research the USSR. I found the totalitarian aspect disturbing, and was an anti-communist (not knowing much, and being 14 at the time). 2. Not long after this, I started to research communism (following the USSR). I was a die hard Stalinist (again, because I didn't know any better). 3. Became fed up with the totalitarian atrocities of Stalin and abandoned them, and called myself a 'Leninist'. 4. While researching Lenin, I came upon Trotskyism and pretty much thought 'That seem like what I support.' And here I am. (I was just turning 15 about that time.)
I've been constantly changing my ideology, not really sure what I support. I was against the vanguard party, but I liked Lenin. I eventually began reading some Lenin, some Kautsky, and finally, some works from Leon Trotsky. I haven't read his actual books yet (only his works on the Marxist Internet Archive), but I plan on getting "Permanent Revolution".
