Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung
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Quotations from Chairman Mao (simplified Chinese: 毛主席语录; traditional Chinese: 毛主席語錄; pinyin: Máo Zhǔxí Yǔlù, commonly known as the "红宝书" pinyin: hóng bǎo shū during the Cultural Revolution), colloquially referred to in the English-speaking world as the Little Red Book, is a compilation book of quotations from speeches and writings by Mao Zedong (formerly romanized as Mao Tse-tung), the former chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, published from 1964 to 1979 and widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution.
Infobox
Editor
People's Liberation Army Daily
Author
Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung)Hou Bo (photographer)
Original title
mw- 毛主席语录; Máo Zhǔxí Yǔlù
Translator
Central Compilation and Translation Bureau
Language
Chinese
Publisher
People's Liberation Army General Political Department (initial releases)People's Press (officially and massively since 1965)
Publication date
5 January 1964
Publication place
People's Republic of China
Media type
Print (Hardback and Paperback)
ISBN
mw- body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) } }978-0-8351-2388-4
OCLC
23380824
Tables
· Content
1
1
Chapter
1
Number of quotations
13
Title
The Communist Party
Summary
The Chinese Communist Party is the core of the Chinese revolution, and its principles are based on Marxism–Leninism. Party criticism should be carried out within the Party.
2
2
Chapter
2
Number of quotations
22
Title
Classes and Class Struggle
Summary
The revolution, and the recognition of class and class struggle, are necessary for peasants and the Chinese people to overcome both domestic and foreign enemy elements. This is not a simple, clean, or quick struggle.
3
3
Chapter
3
Number of quotations
28
Title
Socialism and Communism
Summary
Socialism must be developed in China, and the route toward such an end is a democratic revolution, which will enable socialist and communist consolidation over a length of time. It is also important to unite with the middle peasants, and educate them on the failings of capitalism.
4
4
Chapter
4
Number of quotations
16
Title
The Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People
Summary
There are at least two basic kinds of contradiction: the antagonistic contradictions which exist between communist countries and their capitalist neighbors and between the people and the enemies of the people, and the contradictions among the people themselves, people unconvinced of China's new path, which should be dealt with in a democratic and non-antagonistic fashion.
5
5
Chapter
5
Number of quotations
21
Title
War and Peace
Summary
War is a continuation of politics, and there are at least two types: just (progressive) and unjust wars, which only serve bourgeois interests. While no one likes war, we must remain ready to wage just wars against imperialist agitations.
6
6
Chapter
6
Number of quotations
10
Title
Imperialism and All Reactionaries Are Paper Tigers
Summary
U.S. imperialism, European and Chinese reactionary forces represent real dangers, and in this respect are like real tigers. However, because the goal of our Communism is just, and reactionary interests are self-centered and unjust, after struggle, they will be revealed to be much less dangerous than they were earlier perceived to be.
7
7
Chapter
7
Number of quotations
10
Title
Dare to Struggle and Dare to Win
Summary
Fighting is unpleasant, and the people of China would prefer not to do it at all. At the same time, they stand ready to wage a just struggle of self-preservation against reactionary elements, both foreign and domestic.
8
8
Chapter
8
Number of quotations
10
Title
People's War
Summary
China's masses are the greatest conceivable weapon for fighting against Japanese imperialism and domestic reactionaries. Basic strategic points for war against the Kuomintang are also enumerated.
9
9
Chapter
9
Number of quotations
8
Title
The People's Army
Summary
The People's Army is not merely an organ for fighting; it is also an organ for the political advancement of the Party, as well as of production.
10
10
Chapter
10
Number of quotations
14
Title
Leadership of Party Committees
Summary
Internal life of the Party is discussed. Committees are useful to avoid monopolization by others, and Party members must demonstrate honesty, openness in discussing problems, and the ability to learn and multitask.
11
11
Chapter
11
Number of quotations
22
Title
The Mass Line
Summary
The mass line represents the creative and productive energies of the masses of the Chinese population, which are potentially inexhaustible. Party members should take their cue from the masses, and reinterpret policy with respect to the benefit of the masses.
12
12
Chapter
12
Number of quotations
21
Title
Political Work
Summary
It is necessary for intellectuals, students, soldiers and the average peasant to pay attention and involve themselves with political work. This is particularly true in wartime.
13
13
Chapter
13
Number of quotations
7
Title
Relations Between Officers and Men
Summary
Non-antagonistic and democratic relations between officers and men make for a stronger army.
14
14
Chapter
14
Number of quotations
6
Title
Relations Between the Army and the People
Summary
An army that is cherished and respected by the people, and vice versa, is a nearly invincible force. The army and the people must unite on the grounds of basic respect.
15
15
Chapter
15
Number of quotations
8
Title
Democracy in the Three Main Fields
Summary
Democracy and honesty play roles in the reform of the army, as well as in the life of the Party, and of cadres. "Ultra-democracy", which is defined as an individualistic bourgeois aversion to discipline, is to be avoided.
16
16
Chapter
16
Number of quotations
9
Title
Education and the Training of Troops
Summary
Education must have a practical and political basis for the army, Party and cadres. Along democratic lines, it will also be possible for the officers to teach the soldiers, for the soldiers to teach the officers, and for the soldiers to teach each other.
17
17
Chapter
17
Number of quotations
9
Title
Serving the People
Summary
It is the duty of the cadres and the Party to serve the people. Without the people's interests constantly at heart, their work is useless.
18
18
Chapter
18
Number of quotations
7
Title
Patriotism and Internationalism
Summary
The patriotism of a communist nation and an internationalist sympathy for just struggles in other countries are in no way exclusive; on the contrary, they are linked deeply, as communism spreads throughout the world. At the same time, it is important for a country to retain modesty, and shun arrogance.
19
19
Chapter
19
Number of quotations
8
Title
Revolutionary Heroism
Summary
The same limitless creative energy of the masses is also visible in the army, in their fighting style and indomitable will.
20
20
Chapter
20
Number of quotations
8
Title
Building Our Country Through Diligence and Frugality
Summary
China's road to modernization will be built on the principles of diligence and frugality. Nor will it be legitimate to relax if, 50 years later, modernization is realized on a mass scale.
21
21
Chapter
21
Number of quotations
13
Title
Self-Reliance and Arduous Struggle
Summary
It is necessary for China to become self-reliant in the course of the revolution, along the usual lines of class struggle. At the same time, it is a mistake for individuals to only see the good or the bad in a system, to the exclusion of all else. The section ends with The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains (1945), which is the only text reproduced in full in Quotations.
22
22
Chapter
22
Number of quotations
41
Title
Methods of Thinking and Methods of Work
Summary
Marxist dialectical materialism, which connotes the constant struggle between opposites in an empirical setting, is the best method toward constant improvement. Objective analysis of problems based on empirical results is at a premium.
23
23
Chapter
23
Number of quotations
9
Title
Investigation and Study
Summary
It is necessary to investigate both the facts and the history of a problem in order to study and understand it.
24
24
Chapter
24
Number of quotations
15
Title
Correcting Mistaken Ideas
Summary
Arrogance, lack of achievement after a prosperous period, selfishness, shirking work, and liberalism, are all evils to be avoided in China's development. Liberalism is taken to mean that one may avoid conflict or work in order to be more comfortable for the moment, while the problem continues to grow.
25
25
Chapter
25
Number of quotations
5
Title
Unity
Summary
Unity of the masses, the Party and the whole country is essential. At the same time, criticism may take place along comradely lines, while at the same time a basic unity is felt and preserved. This is the dialectical method.
26
26
Chapter
26
Number of quotations
5
Title
Discipline
Summary
Discipline is seen not to be exclusive to democratic methods. Basic points of military conduct are also enumerated.
27
27
Chapter
27
Number of quotations
15
Title
Criticism and Self-Criticism
Summary
Criticism is a part of the Marxist dialectical method which is central to Party improvement; as such, communists must not fear it, but engage in it openly.
28
28
Chapter
28
Number of quotations
18
Title
Communists
Summary
A communist must be selfless, with the interests of the masses at heart. He must also possess a largeness of mind, as well as a practical, far-sighted mindset.
29
29
Chapter
29
Number of quotations
11
Title
Cadres
Summary
Cadres, the instrument for uniting with and working for the people, must be leaders versed in Marxist–Leninism. They must have both guidance and the freedom to use their creative initiative in solving problems. Newer cadres and older cadres must work together with a comradely respect, learning from each other.
30
30
Chapter
30
Number of quotations
7
Title
Youth
Summary
The Chinese Youth represent an active, vital force in China, to be drawn upon. At the same time, it is necessary to educate them, and for the Youth League to give special attention to their problems and interests.
31
31
Chapter
31
Number of quotations
7
Title
Women
Summary
Women represent a great productive force in China, and equality among the sexes is one of the goals of communism. The multiple burdens which women must shoulder are to be eased.
32
32
Chapter
32
Number of quotations
8
Title
Culture and Art
Summary
Literature and art are discussed with respect to communism, in an orthodox fashion. (Principally consisting of quotations from Talks at the Yenan Forum on Literature and Art.)
33
33
Chapter
33
Number of quotations
16
Title
Study
Summary
It is the responsibility of all to cultivate themselves, and study Marxism–Leninism deeply. It is also necessary for people to turn their attention to contemporary problems, along empirical lines.
| Chapter | Number of quotations | Title | Summary |
| 1 | 13 | The Communist Party | The Chinese Communist Party is the core of the Chinese revolution, and its principles are based on Marxism–Leninism. Party criticism should be carried out within the Party. |
| 2 | 22 | Classes and Class Struggle | The revolution, and the recognition of class and class struggle, are necessary for peasants and the Chinese people to overcome both domestic and foreign enemy elements. This is not a simple, clean, or quick struggle. |
| 3 | 28 | Socialism and Communism | Socialism must be developed in China, and the route toward such an end is a democratic revolution, which will enable socialist and communist consolidation over a length of time. It is also important to unite with the middle peasants, and educate them on the failings of capitalism. |
| 4 | 16 | The Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People | There are at least two basic kinds of contradiction: the antagonistic contradictions which exist between communist countries and their capitalist neighbors and between the people and the enemies of the people, and the contradictions among the people themselves, people unconvinced of China's new path, which should be dealt with in a democratic and non-antagonistic fashion. |
| 5 | 21 | War and Peace | War is a continuation of politics, and there are at least two types: just (progressive) and unjust wars, which only serve bourgeois interests. While no one likes war, we must remain ready to wage just wars against imperialist agitations. |
| 6 | 10 | Imperialism and All Reactionaries Are Paper Tigers | imperialism, European and Chinese reactionary forces represent real dangers, and in this respect are like real tigers. However, because the goal of our Communism is just, and reactionary interests are self-centered and unjust, after struggle, they will be revealed to be much less dangerous than they were earlier perceived to be. |
| 7 | 10 | Dare to Struggle and Dare to Win | Fighting is unpleasant, and the people of China would prefer not to do it at all. At the same time, they stand ready to wage a just struggle of self-preservation against reactionary elements, both foreign and domestic. |
| 8 | 10 | People's War | China's masses are the greatest conceivable weapon for fighting against Japanese imperialism and domestic reactionaries. Basic strategic points for war against the Kuomintang are also enumerated. |
| 9 | 8 | The People's Army | The People's Army is not merely an organ for fighting; it is also an organ for the political advancement of the Party, as well as of production. |
| 10 | 14 | Leadership of Party Committees | Internal life of the Party is discussed. Committees are useful to avoid monopolization by others, and Party members must demonstrate honesty, openness in discussing problems, and the ability to learn and multitask. |
| 11 | 22 | The Mass Line | The mass line represents the creative and productive energies of the masses of the Chinese population, which are potentially inexhaustible. Party members should take their cue from the masses, and reinterpret policy with respect to the benefit of the masses. |
| 12 | 21 | Political Work | It is necessary for intellectuals, students, soldiers and the average peasant to pay attention and involve themselves with political work. This is particularly true in wartime. |
| 13 | 7 | Relations Between Officers and Men | Non-antagonistic and democratic relations between officers and men make for a stronger army. |
| 14 | 6 | Relations Between the Army and the People | An army that is cherished and respected by the people, and vice versa, is a nearly invincible force. The army and the people must unite on the grounds of basic respect. |
| 15 | 8 | Democracy in the Three Main Fields | Democracy and honesty play roles in the reform of the army, as well as in the life of the Party, and of cadres. "Ultra-democracy", which is defined as an individualistic bourgeois aversion to discipline, is to be avoided. |
| 16 | 9 | Education and the Training of Troops | Education must have a practical and political basis for the army, Party and cadres. Along democratic lines, it will also be possible for the officers to teach the soldiers, for the soldiers to teach the officers, and for the soldiers to teach each other. |
| 17 | 9 | Serving the People | It is the duty of the cadres and the Party to serve the people. Without the people's interests constantly at heart, their work is useless. |
| 18 | 7 | Patriotism and Internationalism | The patriotism of a communist nation and an internationalist sympathy for just struggles in other countries are in no way exclusive; on the contrary, they are linked deeply, as communism spreads throughout the world. At the same time, it is important for a country to retain modesty, and shun arrogance. |
| 19 | 8 | Revolutionary Heroism | The same limitless creative energy of the masses is also visible in the army, in their fighting style and indomitable will. |
| 20 | 8 | Building Our Country Through Diligence and Frugality | China's road to modernization will be built on the principles of diligence and frugality. Nor will it be legitimate to relax if, 50 years later, modernization is realized on a mass scale. |
| 21 | 13 | Self-Reliance and Arduous Struggle | It is necessary for China to become self-reliant in the course of the revolution, along the usual lines of class struggle. At the same time, it is a mistake for individuals to only see the good or the bad in a system, to the exclusion of all else. The section ends with The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains (1945), which is the only text reproduced in full in Quotations. |
| 22 | 41 | Methods of Thinking and Methods of Work | Marxist dialectical materialism, which connotes the constant struggle between opposites in an empirical setting, is the best method toward constant improvement. Objective analysis of problems based on empirical results is at a premium. |
| 23 | 9 | Investigation and Study | It is necessary to investigate both the facts and the history of a problem in order to study and understand it. |
| 24 | 15 | Correcting Mistaken Ideas | Arrogance, lack of achievement after a prosperous period, selfishness, shirking work, and liberalism, are all evils to be avoided in China's development. Liberalism is taken to mean that one may avoid conflict or work in order to be more comfortable for the moment, while the problem continues to grow. |
| 25 | 5 | Unity | Unity of the masses, the Party and the whole country is essential. At the same time, criticism may take place along comradely lines, while at the same time a basic unity is felt and preserved. This is the dialectical method. |
| 26 | 5 | Discipline | Discipline is seen not to be exclusive to democratic methods. Basic points of military conduct are also enumerated. |
| 27 | 15 | Criticism and Self-Criticism | Criticism is a part of the Marxist dialectical method which is central to Party improvement; as such, communists must not fear it, but engage in it openly. |
| 28 | 18 | Communists | A communist must be selfless, with the interests of the masses at heart. He must also possess a largeness of mind, as well as a practical, far-sighted mindset. |
| 29 | 11 | Cadres | Cadres, the instrument for uniting with and working for the people, must be leaders versed in Marxist–Leninism. They must have both guidance and the freedom to use their creative initiative in solving problems. Newer cadres and older cadres must work together with a comradely respect, learning from each other. |
| 30 | 7 | Youth | The Chinese Youth represent an active, vital force in China, to be drawn upon. At the same time, it is necessary to educate them, and for the Youth League to give special attention to their problems and interests. |
| 31 | 7 | Women | Women represent a great productive force in China, and equality among the sexes is one of the goals of communism. The multiple burdens which women must shoulder are to be eased. |
| 32 | 8 | Culture and Art | Literature and art are discussed with respect to communism, in an orthodox fashion. (Principally consisting of quotations from Talks at the Yenan Forum on Literature and Art.) |
| 33 | 16 | Study | It is the responsibility of all to cultivate themselves, and study Marxism–Leninism deeply. It is also necessary for people to turn their attention to contemporary problems, along empirical lines. |
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