To this end we must, "first, spread among the masses thoughts that correspond to the instincts of the masses."[424] "What keeps the salvation-bringing thought from going through the laboring masses with a rush? Their ignorance; and particularly the political and religious prejudices which, thanks to the exertions of the ruling classes, to this day obscure the laborer's natural thought and healthy feelings."[425] "Hence the aim must consist in making him completely conscious of what he wants, evoking in him the thought that corresponds to his impulses. If once the thoughts of the laboring masses have mounted to the level of their impulses, then will their will be soon determined and their power irresistible."[426] Furthermore, we must "form, not indeed the army of the revolution,--the army can never be anything but the people,--but yet a sort of staff for the revolutionary army. These must be devoted, energetic, talented men, who, above all, love the people without ambition and vanity, and who have the faculty of mediating between the revolutionary thought and the instincts of the people. No very great number of such men is requisite. A hundred revolutionists firmly and seriously bound together are enough for the international organization of all Europe. Two or three hundred revolutionists are enough for the organization of the largest country."[427] Here, especially, is the field for the activity of secret societies.[428] "In order to serve, organize, and hasten the general revolution"[429] Bakunin founded the _Alliance internationale de la democratie socialiste_. It was to pursue a double purpose: "(a) The spreading of correct views about politics, economics, and philosophical questions of every kind, among the masses in all countries; an active propaganda by newspapers, pamphlets, and books, as well as by the founding of public associations. (b) The winning of all wise, energetic, silent, well-disposed men who are sincerely devoted to the idea; the covering of Europe, and America too so far as possible, with a network of self-sacrificing revolutionists, strong by unity."[430] FOOTNOTES: [317] Printed in "_OEuvres de Michel Bakounine_" (1895) pp. 1-205, under the title "_Federalisme, socialisme et antitheologisme_." [318] Printed in "_L'Alliance de la democratie socialiste et l'Association internationale des travailleurs_" (1873) pp. 118-35. [319] Only fragments have been printed: one under the title "_L'Empire knoutogermanique et la Revolution sociale_" (1871), a second under the title "_Dieu et l'Etat_" (1882), a third under the same title in "_OEuvres de Michel Bakounine_" (1895) pp. 261-326. [320] Printed in Dragomanoff, "_Michail Bakunins sozial-politischer Briefwechsel mit Alexander Iw. Herzen und Ogarjow_," German translation by Minzes (1895) pp. 358-64.