We must make a clear distinction between the nature of Chairman Mao's mistakes and the crimes of Lin Biao and the Gang of Four. For most of his life, Chairman Mao did very good things. Many times he saved the Party and the state from crisis. Without him the Chinese people would, at the very least, have spent much more time groping in the dark.
Deng XiaopingIn China, we intend to acquire advanced technology, science and management skills to serve our socialist production. And these things as such have no class character.
Deng XiaopingIn China, we are considering ways of resolving our problems by improving our institutions.
Deng XiaopingWhatever sentence is passed on the Gang of Four won't be excessive. They brought harm to millions upon millions of people.
Deng Xiaoping