Milovan Djilas

Date of Birth: June 12, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 20, 1995

Biography

Milovan Djilas was a prominent Yugoslav politician, theorist, and author, born on June 12, 1911, in Podbišće, Montenegro. He was a key figure in the communist movement in Yugoslavia and a close associate of Josip Broz Tito during and after World War II. Djilas played a significant role in the resistance against Axis forces and later became a high-ranking official in the Yugoslav government. He is perhaps best known for his ideological shift and criticisms of communism, which led to his fall from grace and imprisonment. Djilas started his political career as a fervent communist and was instrumental in the establishment of socialist Yugoslavia. However, in the 1950s, he began to criticize the communist regime, arguing that it had become a new class of oppressors. His book “The New Class” (1957) was a groundbreaking critique of the bureaucratic elite in communist societies and led to his expulsion from the Communist Party and multiple prison sentences. Despite his fall from power, Djilas continued to write extensively, producing works that examined the nature of power, freedom, and human rights. He became an influential intellectual, both in Yugoslavia and internationally, contributing to the discourse on communism and democracy.

5 Interesting Facts about Milovan Djilas

1. Milovan Djilas was one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia and played a key role in the Partisan resistance during World War II.

2. Djilas served as Vice President of Yugoslavia and was considered a close ally of Josip Broz Tito before their ideological split.

3. His book, “The New Class,” is considered one of the most important critiques of the communist system and has been translated into numerous languages.

4. Djilas was imprisoned several times for his dissenting views, spending a total of nine years in prison.

5. After his release, Djilas continued to write and publish, becoming a respected voice on issues of freedom and democracy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Milovan Djilas

1. “The struggle for freedom is ultimately a struggle for the creation of a humane society.”

2. “Revolution does have its own moral and even spiritual aspects. But then, it is often twisted and perverted, as has happened so many times in history.”

3. “The New Class itself is a result and expression of the general crisis of the communist system.”

4. “The greatest joy for a man, when he is aware of his freedom, is to create.”

5. “Every revolution evaporates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Milovan Djilas did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, as his life was more characterized by political activity and ideological work than financial gain.