"Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung: \"The Little Red Book\"" - Summary

Mao emphasizes that class struggle is the driving force of history and remains relevant even after the proletariat seizes power. He argues that capitalist elements and ideologies persist, requiring continuous struggle against bourgeois tendencies within the Party and society. This constant vigilance, according to Mao, is crucial to prevent the restoration of the old order and to achieve true communism.

"The Little Red Book" repeatedly emphasizes the strength and importance of the masses. Mao argues that the people are the true makers of history and possess immense power. He advocates for their active participation in politics and production, believing that their revolutionary spirit and collective effort are essential for China's progress. This emphasis on the people served to legitimize the Communist Party's rule and mobilize the population towards its goals.

Mao rejects the idea that revolution ends with the seizure of power. He posits that continuous revolution is necessary to combat complacency, combat bureaucraticism, and achieve the final goal of a classless communist society. This idea manifested in campaigns like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, both aimed at purging remnants of capitalism and achieving rapid societal transformation, albeit with devastating consequences.