Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung

"Little Red Book" redirects here. For other uses, see Little Red Book (disambiguation).

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung (simplified Chinese: 毛主席语录; traditional Chinese: 毛主席語錄; pinyin: Máo Zhǔxí Yǔlù) is a book of statements 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.

Quotations from
Chairman Mao Tse-tung
"Mao's Little Red Book"

1993 centenary reprint of the 1966 bilingual edition, published by the People's Republic of China Printing Office
Editor	People's Liberation Army Daily
Author	Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung) Hou Bo (photographer)
Original title	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	978-0-8351-2388-4
OCLC	23380824

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung
Simplified Chinese	毛主席语录
Traditional Chinese	毛主席語錄
Literal meaning	"Chairman Mao Quotes"
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Máo Zhǔxí Yǔlù Bopomofo ㄇㄠˊ   ㄓㄨˇ   ㄒㄧˊ   ㄩˇ   ㄌㄨˋ Wade–Giles Mao2 Chu3-hsi2 yü3-lu4 Tongyong Pinyin Máo Jhǔ-sí Yǔ-lù IPA [mǎʊ ʈʂù.ɕǐ ỳ.lû] Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Mòuh Jyú-jihk Yúh-luhk Jyutping mou4 zyu2 zik6 jyu5 luk6 IPA [mɔw˩ tsy˧˥ tsɪk̚˨ jy˩˧ lʊk̚˨] Southern Min Hokkien POJ Mô͘ Chú-se̍k Gú-lio̍k
Alternative Chinese name
Simplified Chinese	红宝书
Traditional Chinese	紅寶書
Literal meaning	"Treasured Red Book"
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Hóng bǎo shū Bopomofo ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄅㄠˇ ㄕㄨ Yue: Cantonese Jyutping hung4 bou2 syu1

A girl holding Chairman Mao's quotes (1968)

The most popular versions were printed in small sizes that could be easily carried and were bound in bright red covers, thus commonly becoming known internationally as the "Little Red Book".

Publication process

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung was originally compiled by an office of the PLA Daily (People's Liberation Army Daily) as an inspirational political and military document. The initial publication covered 23 topics with 200 selected quotations by Mao, and was entitled 200 Quotations from Chairman Mao. It was first given to delegates of a conference on 5 January 1964 who were asked to comment on it. In response to the views of the deputies and compilers of the book, the work was expanded to address 25 topics with 267 quotations, and the title was changed simply to Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung.

On 10 January, the work was re-issued to the delegates and sent to select units of the People's Liberation Army who received their advance copies for educating troops as well as for their comments. In May 1964, the PLA General Political Department, the chief political organ under Central Military Commission, revised Quotations, adding a half title page with the slogan "Workers of the world, unite!" (全世界无产者，联合起来！) in bold red letters, and endorsement leaves written by Lin Biao, Mao's chosen successor, that included three lines from the diary of revolutionary soldier Lei Feng who is considered a hero in China. This version was issued "for internal use" to the military leaders. Following discussions that expanded the book twice more—finally closing on 33 topics and 427 quotations by Mao—the commission began publishing the definitive version in May 1965.

At the end of 1965, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party officially approved the book for publication by the People's Publishing House and for distribution within China by the Xinhua Bookstore.

The Ministry of Culture held special study meetings to develop a production and distribution plan. It sought assurances that the book would receive publishing priority and that there would be sufficient paper, ink, and printing presses available. The goal was for "ninety-nine percent (of the population of China to) read Chairman Mao's book", according to a catalogue of publication records of the People's Publishing House. Provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China were ordered to build hundreds of new printing houses to publish the Quotations during the second half of 1966, which pushed the limits of the Chinese printing industry.

This disrupted plans for publishing any new volumes of The Complete Works of Marx and Engels that was already in progress. It also halted distribution of other ideological works. As late as 1970, more than 8 million copies of the 4-volume set of Selected Works of Marx and Engels that had already been printed (both in cloth hardcover and paperback) remained undistributed in storage warehouses on the grounds that other works "should not interfere with learning Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung".

On the other hand, several other works by Mao had very large printings during the same period, even though these editions were not produced in the large numbers of Quotations from Chairman Mao. These include Selected Works of Mao Zedong (in four volumes, 2.875 million copies in 14 languages), Selected Articles of Mao Zedong (various editions totalling 252 million copies), single article books, and works of poetry.

On 12 February 1979, the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party ordered to stop publishing Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung.

Foreign distribution

Cover of the first edition English version of the Little Red Book circa 1966

Chairman Mao from 1966 French edition, Beijing

In 1966, the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party approved Quotations from Chairman Mao for export. To meet overseas requirements, the editors of the Chinese Foreign Languages Press made revisions necessitated by the situation. They added a "second edition preface" endorsement by Lin Biao, dated 16 December 1966 (which was torn out following Lin Biao's death and public disgrace in September 1971). On the last page, they listed the names of the publisher (PLA General Political Department) without an ISBN, the printer and distributor (both Xinhua Bookstore), and the publication year.

By May 1967, bookstores in 117 countries and territories around the world—including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, the Soviet Union, West Germany, Italy, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines, Burma, Iran, various Arab and African nations and others—were distributing Mao's Quotations. Foreign presses operating in 20 countries contributed to the publication of 20 translations in 35 versions.

Publication number

The Little Red Book has produced a wide array of sales and distribution figures. Some sources claim that over 6.5 billion printed volumes have been distributed in total, others contend that the distribution ran into the "billions", and others cite "over a billion" official volumes between 1966 and 1969 alone as well as "untold numbers of unofficial local reprints and unofficial translations."

The book's popularity may be because it was essentially an unofficial requirement for every Chinese citizen to own, to read, and to carry it at all times during the latter half of Mao's rule, especially during the Cultural Revolution.

Formats

The most widely produced editions of the Quotations of Chairman Mao were published with a printed red vinyl cover wrapper over cardboard with pages bound in 64 folios that included photos of Mao. Other editions of the book were covered in cloth, silk, leather, paper, and other materials.

Most editions were produced in a functional, compact size that fit into a pocket, were easy to carry, and could be taken out at any time "for practice, learning, application." It was published in 32 other common sizes, allegedly the largest format printed on only four pages as large as the newspaper Reference News, and the smallest format the size of a matchbox.

Role and social impact

Study Chairman Mao's writings, follow his teachings, and act according to his instructions.-Lin Biao (with his name scratched out) on the Huayang Palace in Jinan, photo 2007

Foreign press report called the work "The Little Red Book", reflecting its common small size and bright cover. After the Cultural Revolution ended, some Chinese people also adopted the nickname "Treasured Red Book" (simplified Chinese: 红宝书; traditional Chinese: 紅寶書; pinyin: hóng bǎoshū), a term back-translated into Chinese.

A propaganda poster from the Cultural Revolution featuring people holding Mao's Little Red Book and wearing Mao badges.

During the 1960s, the book was the single most visible icon in mainland China, even more visible than images of Mao himself. In posters and pictures created by CCP's propaganda artists, nearly every painted character, whether smiling or looking determined, was seen with a copy of the book in his or her hand. During the Mao era, when people swore oaths they would often do so on Quotations. After the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976 and the rise of Deng Xiaoping in 1978, the importance of the book waned considerably, and the glorification of Mao's quotations was considered to be left deviationism and a cult of personality.

Quotations continues to be a symbol of Mao Zedong Thought in China today. In certain situations, the book is given as a gift, for example, when public funds are involved, or when personal events arise, such as congratulating newlyweds.

Today in China, the book Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung is mostly seen as a piece of nostalgia. Various editions are popular with some collectors, and rare and unusual printings command extremely high prices. It can be purchased at shops in Beijing, Shanghai, other major cities in China, as well as at some tourist attractions. The edition currently (2012) available (photo above) has a publication date of 1966. It has about thirty colour photographs at the front. There are then another 378 pages with Traditional Chinese on the left pages and the English translation on the right pages. The English language edition has many spelling mistakes as well as other typographical errors on almost every page. Only the first 22 chapters are in this edition compared with 33 in the first Chinese and English editions. There is no Lin Biao page.

Synopsis

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung consists of 427 quotations, organized thematically into 33 chapters. It is also called "Thoughts of Chairman Mao" by many Chinese. The quotations range in length from a sentence to a few short paragraphs, and borrow heavily from a group of about two dozen documents in the four volumes of Mao's Selected Works.

Usually the quotations are arranged logically, to deal with one to three themes in the development of a chapter. The table below summarizes the book.

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	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	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.
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.

See also

• Chairman Mao badge
• History of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (Bolsheviks)
• Mao Zedong's cult of personality
• Little Red Songbook
• Three Old Articles (China)
• The Green Book (Gaddafi)

Further reading

• Bristow, Michael (2007). "Who Owns Mao's Millions?" BBC News.
• Cook, Alexander C., ed. (2014). Mao's Little Red Book: A Global History. Cambridge University Press.
• DeFrancis, John (1975). Annotated Quotations from Chairman Mao. Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-01870-3.
• Han, Oliver Lei. Sources and Early Printing History of Chairman Mao's "Quotations".

External links

English translations of original text

• Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, Terebess Asia Online (TAO)
• Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, Art-bin.com
• Quotations from Mao Tse-Tung, Mao Tse Tung Internet Archive, Marxists.org