Mao Zedong

Investigation may be likened to the long months of pregnancy, and solving a problem to the day of birth. To investigate a problem is, indeed, to solve it.

Oppose Book Worship 1930

The people's democratic dictatorship needs the leadership of the working class, because the working class is the most far-sighted, most selfless and most thoroughly revolutionary class.

On the People's Democratic Dictatorship 1949

War can only be abolished through war, and in order to get rid of the gun it is necessary to take up the gun.

Problems of War and Strategy 1938

We must have faith in the masses and we must have faith in the Party. These are two cardinal principles. If we doubt these two principles, we shall accomplish nothing.

On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People 1957

The revolutionary war is a war of the masses; it can be waged only by mobilizing the masses and relying on them.

Be Concerned with the Well-Being of the Masses, Pay Attention to Methods of Work 1934

Communists must be ready at all times to uphold the truth, because truth is always on the side of the proletariat.

On Coalition Government 1945

To read too many books is harmful.

Speech at the Chengdu Conference 1958

What is work? Work is struggle. There are difficulties and problems in work. A good comrade is one who is more eager to go where the difficulties are greater.

On Coalition Government 1945

The highest criterion for judging the correctness of any theory is its practical application.

On Practice 1937

We must not be like the Lord Ye who loved dragons. Lord Ye was fond of dragons, but when a real dragon flew down and looked in at his window, he was so frightened that he ran away.

Rectify the Party's Style of Work 1942

We should rid our ranks of all impotent thinking.

On Coalition Government 1945

The more books you read, the more stupid you become.

Speech at the Chengdu Conference 1958

The Chinese people have stood up!

Opening Address at the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference 1949

Man has constantly to sum up experience and go on discovering, inventing, creating and advancing.

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung 1964

To make mistakes is nothing. The Communist Party has made mistakes, but it has corrected them.

On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People 1957

The people's democratic dictatorship is a dictatorship of the masses of the people over the reactionaries and a democracy for the people themselves.

On the People's Democratic Dictatorship 1949

We must be modest and prudent, guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and serve the Chinese people heart and soul.

Report to the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China 1949

The United States is a paper tiger. Don't be afraid of it.

Speech at the Moscow Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties 1957

It is right to rebel.

Slogan, later popularized during Cultural Revolution 1939

We must thoroughly clear away all ideas, customs and habits that are harmful to the people.

On Coalition Government 1945

Quotes by Mao Zedong