Had the question, "what are the relative strengths and weaknesses of communism?" been asked fifty years ago, a likely and complex answer might have read as follows: in contrast to capitalism (which at that time was in the throes of predictably recurring cycles of crisis), the ultimate strength of communism resides in its vision of a planned and rational society. Irrespective of his admiration or contempt, the casual observer might also have pointed to the Marxist—Leninist ethos as a source of strength. Rightly so, for it created a unique modern type: the professional revolutionary, armed prophet of messianic expectations and self-sacrifice, expert of the technology of power beyond good and evil.