Revolution Quote by Gordon G. Chang
![“Mao Zedong himself would have realized that the Communist Party has become weak. “All reactionaries are paper tigers,” he said. And Mao said something else: repression breeds revolution. “[T]he Chinese,” he told us, “never submit to tyrannical rule but invariably use revolutionary means to…” quote by Gordon G. Chang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/987/gordon-g-chang-10335_revolution_mao-zedong-himself-would-have-realized-t_682332.jpg)
““Mao Zedong himself would have realized that the Communist Party has become weak. “All reactionaries are paper tigers,” he said. And Mao said something else: repression breeds revolution. “[T]he Chinese,” he told us, “never submit to tyrannical rule but invariably use revolutionary means to overthrow or change it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Chinese Communist Party: A Study of Its Weaknesses,” 1995
Chang cites Mao on the paradox of repression sparking revolt, warning of party fragility and revolutionary potential
In simple terms: Oppression can incite resistance and change
Key Takeaway
Recognize signs of authoritarian overreach
Themes
politics
revolution
authoritarianism
history
strategy
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political analysis
historical insight
When to use this quote
- activist movements
- policy analysis
- academic seminars
- media commentary
Key Concepts
political theory
social dynamics
power cycles
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions turn repression into revolt?
- How can societies prevent authoritarian decay?
A Different Perspective
Mao’s statements may be selective; context may alter meaning
