Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong

The Quotations were compiled by the Political Department of the People's Liberation Army under the direction of Lin Biao, then Minister of Defense. The initial compilation was intended for military education, drawing from Mao's writings, speeches, and directives. The first edition appeared in 1964 as a pocket-sized book for soldiers, with a preface by Lin Biao emphasizing the study of Mao's thought as a 'weapon' for revolution.¹

The book is organized into 33 chapters covering topics such as 'The Communist Party', 'Classes and Class Struggle', 'Socialism and Communism', and 'Self-Reliance and Arduous Struggle'. Each chapter contains a series of quotations, often excerpted from Mao's works, speeches, and writings. The quotations are presented without extensive context, making them easily memorizable and applicable to various situations. The book's small size (about 4.5 by 3 inches) and red cover with a gold-embossed portrait of Mao contributed to its iconic status.²

During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), the Quotations became a ubiquitous tool for political mobilization. Millions of copies were distributed, and the book was used in daily study sessions, political rallies, and as a means to demonstrate loyalty to Mao. The phrase 'never forget class struggle' and other quotations were chanted by Red Guards. The book also served as a diplomatic gift, with Mao presenting copies to foreign dignitaries, including Richard Nixon during his 1972 visit to China.

The Little Red Book was translated into dozens of languages and distributed worldwide, particularly among leftist movements in the 1960s and 1970s. In the West, it became a symbol of counterculture and anti-establishment sentiment. The book influenced figures such as the Black Panther Party in the United States, who adopted some of Mao's ideas on guerrilla warfare and revolution. In France, the May 1968 protests saw students waving the book. The global circulation of the Quotations contributed to Mao's international stature as a revolutionary leader.

Beyond its political role, the Quotations had several lesser-known dimensions. The book's compilation was not solely Mao's work; it was a collective effort by the PLA's Political Department, with Lin Biao playing a crucial role. The first edition was printed on rough paper and had a plain cover; the iconic red cover was introduced later. The book's popularity declined after Mao's death in 1976, and it was officially de-emphasized after the Cultural Revolution. However, it remains a collector's item and a subject of academic study. Some editions included a 'Quotation of the Day' feature, and the book was often used as a form of currency or barter during the Cultural Revolution. Additionally, the Quotations were used in psychological warfare, with leaflets dropped over enemy lines during the Sino-Indian War and the Vietnam War.³

Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 to 1976, launched by Mao Zedong to preserve 'true' communist ideology and purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

Lin Biao

A Chinese Communist military leader and Mao's designated successor, who oversaw the compilation of the Quotations. He later fell from power and died in a plane crash in 1971.

Red Guards

Groups of students and young people mobilized by Mao during the Cultural Revolution to enforce his ideology and attack perceived enemies of the revolution.