A revolution does not march a straight line. It wanders where it can, retreats before superior forces, advances wherever it has room, attacks whenever the enemy retreats or bluffs, and above all, is possessed of enormous patience.

Whoever has an army has power and that war decides everything.

The guerrilla must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea.

Many who have read Marxist books have become renegades from the revolution, whereas illiterate workers often grasp Marxism very well.

To win countrywide victory is only the first step in a long march of ten thousand li.... The Chinese revolution is great, but the road after the revolution will be longer, the work greater and more arduous. This must be made clear now in the Party. The comrades must be helped to remain modest, prudent and free from arrogance and rashness in their style of work. The comrades must be helped to preserve the style of plain living and hard struggle.

It is a very good thing, and a significant one too, to exterminate the bourgeoisie and capitalism in China.

I voted for you during your last election.