Mao Zedong taught us how to make friends

Author: Mo Zhibin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Mao Zedong's interpersonal world is vast and richly diverse. From his interactions with family members to his friendships with classmates and friends, from his relationships with fellow soldiers to his dealings with subordinates, from his engagements with political opponents to his interactions with allies, from his exchanges with teachers and mentors to his communications with experts and scholars, from his engagements with foreign heads of state to his interactions with ordinary journalists, and even with common people, and so on. Despite the wide range of people he interacted with, who held various positions and statuses, Mao always adhered to the principle of "sincerity," making "integrity" the cornerstone of his relationships. At the same time, whether he was dealing with anyone, he combined reason and emotion. He convinced people with logic, accommodated them with reason, moved them with empathy, and connected with them emotionally. It was precisely because he was sincere, kind-hearted, magnanimous, and not stubborn or self-willed that he earned the admiration and respect of people. Even his adversaries had to acknowledge the personal charm he demonstrated in his interpersonal interactions. The stories of Mao Zedong's interpersonal relationships are indeed a vivid and instructive life textbook, worthy of careful reading, reflection, and savoring.