Quotations from Chairman Mao: China's "Little Red Book"
During the Cultural Revolution in China, the "Quotations from Chairman Mao," or the "Little Red Book," was a ubiquitous icon of Mao Zedong's rule. It contained 427 quotations from Mao's speeches and writings, compiled to inspire political and military loyalty.
The book was meticulously edited and revised before being widely distributed from 1964 to 1979. It was a testament to Mao's cult of personality, with millions of copies printed and distributed both domestically and internationally. Foreign editions were translated into over 35 languages and distributed in 117 countries.
Beyond its inspirational value, the "Little Red Book" became a symbol of conformity and social control during the Cultural Revolution. Citizens were expected to carry and study the book at all times, and it became a requirement for political advancement.
After the Cultural Revolution and the rise of Deng Xiaoping, the book's significance declined. It is now viewed primarily as a historical artifact, with some editions becoming popular among collectors. However, it remains a symbol of Mao Zedong Thought and is still given as a gift in certain situations.
Today, the "Little Red Book" stands as a reminder of the tumultuous era of the Cultural Revolution and the pervasive influence of Mao's ideology on Chinese society during that time.