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):
Cirtical idea (put it all together)
- Mao Zedong is speaking in this excerpt from his "Little Red Book."
- This is happening during the Cultural Revolution in China.
- The "Little Red Book" was published in 1957.
- Mao Zedong is emphasizing the importance of young people and their role in shaping the future of China. He acknowledges that the country is poor and that it will take time and hard work to achieve prosperity, but he believes that the younger generation holds the key to China's success.
- This is important because Mao Zedong was specifically addressing the Red Guard, a group of young people who were at the forefront of the Cultural Revolution. By inspiring and motivating them, Mao hoped to mobilize the youth to bring about his vision of a socialist society.
- The critical idea here is that young people have the power to shape the future and bring about change, and that hard work and dedication are necessary to achieve their goals.