Top 10 Famous Quotes of Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong or Chairman Mao has plenty of classic speeches in his whole life, some completely echo his rich experience and vast knowledge, motivating generations of Chinese. Below is my selection of the top ten quotes by Mao Zedong, all quotes were made with his extraordinary insights, in-depth research and careful analysis.

1. Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. 

In 1927 the KMT’s leader Chiang Kai-shek broke the coalition and started an anti-communist purge activity. At an emergency meeting of the Chinese Communist Party held in Hankou. Future party leader Mao Zedong made the famous statement that “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

2. A single spark can start a prairie fire.

The quote was from a letter written by Mao Zedong on January 5, 1930 when he criticized negative ideas existing in the Party.

3. All reactionaries are paper tigers.

During an interview with the American correspondent Anna Louise Strong in 1946, Mao Zedong made this famous quote to describe KMT reactionary forces: “On the surface, it is very strong but in fact it is nothing to be afraid of; it is a paper tiger.”

4. It is only the first step in a long march of ten thousand li!

This modest quote: “To win countrywide victory is only the first step in a long march of ten thousand li! ” was made by Mao Zedong in a Party meeting on March 5, 1949.

5. The Chinese people have stood up.

This saying was made by Chairman Mao at the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference September 21, 1949.

6. We will not attack unless we are attacked; if we are attacked,we will certainly counterattack.

The quote was made on September 16, 1939 when the Kuomintang reactionaries created a series of  Anti-Communist Party activities.

7. It will rain in the sky and girls will all get married some day. Let them be!

This is a mysterious and having-no-choice saying. In 1971 Lin Biao attempted to dispose of Mao and take power but finally was defeated. On September 12, Lin Biao and several others secretly took flight toward the USSR and later his plane crashed in Mongolia.

8. With you in charge, I am at ease.

On 6 October, 1976, Hua Guofeng had the “Gang of Four” arrested. Hua was appointed as the true successor of Mao Zedong, Mao wrote the note to Hua: “With you in charge, I’m at ease.”

9. Let’s produce ample food and clothing with our own hands.

In Feb, 1939, Mao Zedong made this quote when the Communist Party met economic issues and financial problems in Yanan.

10. Serve the people

This speech was delivered by Mao Zedong on September 8, 1944 at a memorial meeting for Comrade Zhang Side.

Books about Mao Zedong

You may find some online articles and blog posts about Mao Zedong, but there’s still no substitute for books. Here’s my list of 5 worth dipping into now. Each is accessibly written and by a person who knows Mao well. Each includes a specific claim that will surprise you. And each will make you  look at Mao from a different angle.

1. Ross Terrill`s “Mao: A Biography: Revised and Expanded Edition“ is the most comprehensive and authoritative biography of the man who shaped modern-day China–by one of the world’s most experienced China watchers.

2. Jonathan Spence`s “Mao Zedong: A Life (A Penguin Life).” The book let you know intimate history of one of the most formidable and elusive rulers in modern history

3. “Mao: The Unknown Story” by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday was published in 2006, The book is based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao’s close circle in China who have never talked before — and with virtually everyone outside China who had significant dealings with him.