Mao Zedong: Learning history in this way, commenting on history in this way

Author: Sheng Xunchang, Ou Weiwei, Sheng Yanghong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2010-09-02
Features: "Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles." Mao Zedong studied history by applying it appropriately. Throughout his life, he traveled extensively across China. After the liberation, he always carried a Chinese map with him, planning routes and orientations; at every meeting he attended, he would consult the local library for a vast number of books; upon arriving in a new place, he would study local chronicles and historical books related to the region, engaging in heartfelt conversations and emotional exchanges with locals. This was also a unique way of studying history and a method for him to continuously deepen his understanding of it. Although many of Mao Zedong's remarks on history were brief or even casual remarks from daily life, they reflected how this historical figure skillfully applied history in just the right way. "Strong, earnest, and ever-renewing." This was the cultural value he created through his interpretation and study of history. Mao Zedong's perspective and methods on commenting on history were also a form of knowledge. "Observing the past and present in an instant, encompassing the world in a moment." It was rare in history, both at home and abroad, to find a national leader as serious yet carefree, solemn yet not devoid of humor, and able to speak off the cuff yet make his historical insights easily understandable and readily accepted by the people.