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Quotations from Chairman Mao on Being a Communist in China (1937-1938)
Entering the Chinese Communist Party was, and still is, a difficult process. Applicants are expected to fulfill political, moral, educational and professional criteria, which have, of course, varied (sometimes considerably) over the tumultuous course of the Party's history.
The following quotations represent Party Chairman Mao Zedong's perspective on being a Communist.
Excerpts with Document-Based Questions
From The Little Red Book: Quotations From Chairman Mao (Beijing Foreign Languages Press, 1972).“Communists should be the most far‑sighted, the most self‑sacrificing, the most resolute, and the least prejudiced in sizing up situations, and should rely on the majority of the masses and win their support.”
— “The Tasks of the Chinese Communist Party in the Period of Resistance to Japan,” May 3, 1937
“At no time and in no circumstances should a Communist place his personal interests first; he should subordinate them to the interests of the nation and of the masses. Hence, selfishness, slacking, corruption, seeking the limelight, and so on, are most contemptible, while selflessness, working with all one's energy, whole‑hearted devotion to public duty, and quiet hard work will command respect.”
— “The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War,” October 1938
“Communists should set an example in being practical as well as far‑sighted. For only by being practical can they fulfill the appointed tasks, and only far‑sightedness can prevent them from losing their bearings in the march forward.”
— “The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War,” October 1938
Questions:
- How would you describe, in your own words, the ideals of a Communist Party member?
- Is Mao's own life and career a good example of the ideals expressed here? Why or why not?
- How do Mao's ideals compare with those of Confucius and Mencius?
