Meaning:
The quote "One word from Chairman Mao is worth ten thousand from others. His every statement is truth. We must carry out those we that understand as well as those we don't" is attributed to Lin Biao, a prominent Chinese politician and military leader during the mid-20th century. Lin Biao was a close associate of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China, and played a significant role in the Chinese Communist Party.
The quote reflects the extreme reverence and loyalty that Lin Biao and many others had towards Mao Zedong during the period of Mao's rule in China. It emphasizes the belief in Mao's infallibility and the absolute authority of his words and directives. This sentiment was pervasive during the era of Mao's leadership and was actively promoted by the Communist Party as a means of consolidating Mao's power and influence over the Chinese population.
Mao Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, was not only the political leader of China but also the central figure of the Communist Party. His cult of personality was carefully cultivated through propaganda, political campaigns, and the suppression of dissenting voices. The quote attributed to Lin Biao exemplifies the extent to which Mao was deified and elevated to a near-mythical status within Chinese society.
During Mao's rule, the dissemination of his thoughts and quotations was a cornerstone of the Communist Party's ideological indoctrination. Mao's "Little Red Book," officially titled "Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong," contained a selection of his speeches, writings, and sayings, and it was widely distributed and studied throughout China. The book served as a tool for promoting Mao's authority and ideology, and it was required reading for millions of Chinese citizens.
The concept of Mao's words being worth "ten thousand from others" implies that his wisdom and guidance were unparalleled and should be followed without question. This idea was central to the enforcement of Maoist ideology and the implementation of his policies, which included large-scale social engineering initiatives such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.
The phrase "His every statement is truth" reflects the idea of Mao as the ultimate arbiter of truth and righteousness. It underscores the notion of Mao as an infallible leader whose pronouncements were to be accepted without skepticism or critical analysis. This blind adherence to Mao's words contributed to the creation of a culture of fear, obedience, and conformity within Chinese society.
The final part of the quote, "We must carry out those we that understand as well as those we don't," encapsulates the idea that even if individuals did not fully comprehend Mao's directives, they were still obligated to implement them diligently. This further demonstrates the extent of the unquestioning loyalty and obedience that Mao expected from his followers and the population at large.
In conclusion, the quote attributed to Lin Biao encapsulates the extreme reverence and unwavering devotion that characterized the cult of personality surrounding Mao Zedong during his rule in China. It provides insight into the dynamics of power, control, and ideological indoctrination that prevailed under Mao's leadership, and it serves as a reminder of the profound impact of his authoritarian rule on the Chinese people.