Source: Mao Zedong, “Little Red Book,” 1957.
Mao’s “Little Red Book” is a collection of Mao Zedong’s quotations that were used as a source of inspiration
and guidance for members of the Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution. These are two excerpts from
the book.
The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and
vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning. Our hope is placed in you. The
world belongs to you. China’s future belongs to you.
We must help all our young people to understand that ours is still a very poor country, that we cannot
change this situation radically in a short time, and that only through the united efforts of our younger
generation and all our people, working with their own hands, can China be made strong and prosperous
within a period of several decades. The establishment of our socialist system has opened the road
leading to the ideal society of the future, but to translate this ideal into reality needs hard work.
Who (is speaking):
Where (is this happening):
When (is this written):
What (is a summary of what is being said):
Why (is this important, hint:who is the intended audience):
Who: Mao Zedong
Where: China
When: 1957
What: Mao is addressing the young people and emphasizing their importance in shaping China's future. He acknowledges the current poverty of the country and the need for hard work to achieve prosperity. He also emphasizes the role of the younger generation in building a socialist society.
Why: This is important because Mao is speaking directly to the Red Guard, who were at the forefront of the Cultural Revolution. He is inspiring and motivating them to work towards the ideal society of the future. The intended audience is the Red Guard and the young people of China.