Communism in China
While the United States and the Soviet Union dominated the globe other nations struggled to identify the system that would work best for them. Under the guidance of Soviet advisers, Mao Zedong, Communist leader of China, tried to recreate a Soviet style society with a Chinese twist. The quotes that follow are from Mao but would resonate with the Soviets as well.
“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.”
“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, wholehearted devotion to public duty, and quiet hard work will command respect.”
“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 farsightedness can prevent them from losing their bearings in the march forward.”
— Mao Zedong, “The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War,” October 1938
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