Mao Zedong

Politician, Revolutionary

Mao Zedong was a Chinese revolutionary leader and the founding father of the People's Republic of China, known for his role in the Communist Party and the Cultural Revolution.

Born
December 26, 1893
Died
September 9, 1976
Quotes
287
Rank
#208

About Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong — Life and Legacy

Mao Zedong, a pivotal figure in 20th-century history, was the founding father of the People's Republic of China and a key leader of the Chinese Communist Party. His ideas, encapsulated in works like the 'Little Red Book,' emphasize the importance of revolution and the role of the masses in shaping society. Mao famously asserted that 'political power grows out of the barrel of a gun,' reflecting his belief in the necessity of armed struggle for achieving political change. This perspective not only defined his leadership style but also challenged existing norms of governance and social order. Mao's core philosophy revolved around the idea that continuous struggle is essential for progress. He stated, 'Without struggle, there is no progress,' which underscores his conviction that societal transformation requires persistent effort and sacrifice. His approach to leadership was deeply rooted in the belief that the peasantry could lead the revolution, a notion that reshaped the class dynamics in China and emphasized collective action over individualism. The impact of Mao's quotes and ideas continues to resonate today, as they provoke discussions about power, governance, and the role of the individual within society. His legacy, marked by both revolutionary zeal and controversy, invites reflection on the complexities of leadership and the enduring struggle for social change.

Quote collection

Mao Zedong quotes (page 1 of 15)

287 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"All political power comes from the barrel of a gun. The communist party must command all the guns, that way, no guns can ever be used to command the party."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery. It cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Deaths have benefits. They can fertilise the ground."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Maybe you're afraid of sinking. Don't think about it. If you don't think about it, you won't sink. If you do, you will."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Civilize the mind but make savage the body."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"What is work? Work is struggle. There are difficulties and problems in those places for us to overcome and solve. We go there to work and struggle to overcome these difficulties. A good comrade is one who is more eager to go where the difficulties are greater."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Communists must never separate themselves from the majority of the people or neglect them by leading only a few progressive contingents in an isolated and rash advance, but must take care to forge close links between the progressive elements and the broad masses. This is what thinking in terms of the majority means."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Don't make a fuss about a world war. At most, people die... Half the population wiped out - this happened quite a few times in Chinese history... It's best if half the population is left, next best one-third."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"In time of difficulties, we must not lose sight of our achievements."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Enable every woman who can work to take her place on the labour front, under the principle of equal pay for equal work."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"We must learn to do economic work from all who know how, no matter who they are. We must esteem them as teachers, learning from them respectfully and conscientiously. We must not pretend to know when we do not know."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"We are indebted to Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin for giving us a weapon. The weapon is not a machine-gun, but Marxism-Leninism."

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"Communists must be ready at all times to stand up for the truth, because truth is in the interests of the people; Communists must be ready at all times to correct their mistakes, because mistakes are against the interests of the people."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"When the enemy advances, withdraw; when he stops, harass; when he tires, strike; when he retreats, pursue."

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Mao Zedong Politician, Revolutionary
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"Don't wait untill problems pile up and cause a lot of trouble before trying to solve them. Leaders must march ahead the movement, not lag behind it."

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