Belief Quote by Mao Zedong
“Many people think it impossible for guerrillas to exist for long in the enemy's rear. Such a belief reveals lack of comprehension of the relationship that should exist between the people and the troops. The former may be likened to water the latter to the fish who inhabit it. How may it be said that these two cannot exist together?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On Guerrilla Warfare, 1938
Guerrilla fighters can coexist with the populace like fish in water; misunderstanding this leads to flawed strategy.
In simple terms: Guerrillas and people can live together harmoniously.
Key Takeaway
Integrate troops with local communities.
Themes
warfare
people‑troop relations
strategy
coexistence
Mood
strategic
reflective
Type
political
military
When to use this quote
- counterinsurgency
- civil‑military cooperation
- community outreach
- political education
Key Concepts
hearts of people
military doctrine
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can armies earn civilian trust?
- What examples show successful integration?
A Different Perspective
Assuming separation can cause conflict.
![“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)
