Nikolai Berdyaev about Lenin as a politician: between pragmatism, amoralism and fanatism

In the article, with references to various researches and politicians, is indicated, on the one hand, contradictory attitude to Lenin's personality and practice, presented in scientific and political-ideological discourse, on the other – enormous role of the communist leader with regard to the transformation of political image of the world of XX century. In addition, the concept of Leninism still keeps its influence on political processes in the post-Soviet space.In the text, using Berdyaev’s analytical argument presented in his different works, is studied set of Lenin’s personal and political skills and features which enabled him to get political victory: a) energetically strong motive of power inherent to him and fanatism; b) usage of any means to achieve revolution goals; c) reproduction of traditional for Russia model of government; d) transformation of communist doctrine into a kind of religious (totalitarian) study; e) vast usage of coercion and violence while neglecting value and freedoms of individual; f) reflection in politics historical and cultural standards which dominated in the country, what stipulated Lenin’s image compliance with the parameters of a “typically Russian man”; g) creative attitude towards Marxism ideology, which made it possible to formulate doctrine on the possibility of a socialist revolution in one country; h) institutional basis development of party building in Russia; i) creative combination of revolutionary (destroyer) and statesman features; j) political despotism and others. Berdyaev indicates on unresolved tasks of socialist construction in Soviet Russia, as after the revolution a new privileged elite appeared in the country, far from the interests of the people, and the phenomenon of social exclusion was not overcome. Defined political technologies developed by Lenin, which can be used in modern politics