A great Soviet general was once asked by his adjutant, Comrade General,
what is the meaning of Marxist dialectic?

The general replied, I will explain it to you with an example. A filthy
man is standing outside a bath house. Will he go in?

Of course, replied the adjutant.

No, youre wrong, said the general. A filthy man is filthy by his nature,
and will not go in to the bath house. Only clean men, knowing the virtues of
cleanliness, will bathe.

I understand, comrade general.

Now, let me give you another example. A filthy man is standing outside
a bath house. Will he go in?

Absolutely not, replied the adjutant immediately.

Youre wrong again, said the general. Why should a filthy man not
enter a bath house? He is dirty, the bath house is there to enable him to
become clean, and he will use it.

I think I understand, comrade.

Now, one last example. A filthy man is standing outside a bath house.
Will he go in?

How the hell should I know?

Now, comrade, you truly understand the meaning of Marxist dialectic.

(A very similar joke from Leo Rostens The Joys Of Yiddish (If you havent
got a copy of this book, then drop everything and go out and buy a copy–its
full of jokes, folk sayings and other assorted witticisms.))