Abolish Quote by Mao Zedong
“"Don't you want to abolish state power?" Yes, we do, but not right now. We cannot do it yet. Why? Because imperialism still exists, because domestic reaction still exists, because classes still exist in our country. Our present task is to strengthen the people's state apparatus - mainly the people's army, the people's police and the people's courts - in order to consolidate national defense and protect the people's interests.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with Red Guard, 1965
The quote argues that immediate abolition of state power is impractical because external and internal forces still threaten revolutionary goals; thus, strengthening state institutions is a temporary necessity.
In simple terms: We must first strengthen state forces before we can dismantle them.
Key Takeaway
Build and protect state institutions first.
Themes
revolution
state power
imperialism
national defense
people's interests
Mood
cautious
strategic
determined
Type
political
ideological
When to use this quote
- political organizing
- military training
- legal reform
- public security
Key Concepts
Marxism
strategic patience
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent the state from becoming oppressive?
- How can revolutionary goals be pursued without compromising freedoms?
A Different Perspective
Strengthening the state may delay true liberation and risk authoritarian drift.
![“In the struggle to defend the legacy of Leninism . . . [Stalin] proved himself to be an outstanding Marxist-Leninist fighter. . . . Stalin's works should, as before, be seriously studied . . . [to] see what is correct and what is not.” quote by Mao Zedong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2af/mao-zedong-1123_fighter_in-the-struggle-to-defend-the-legacy-of_67510.jpg)
