Description
Although the basic postulates of Mao Tse-tung's body of thought have their source in Marxism-Leninism, his mind and personality bear the imprint of many currents: traditional Chinese philosophy, the military ethos of seventeenth-century Chinese philosophers, early-twentieth-century Chinese nationalism, and Western individualism. And although he has remained a faithful disciple of Lenin and Stalin, Mao has never accepted a politically subordinate role. On the contrary, and despite his unswerving belief in the ultimate victory of world revolution, his strongest commitment is his desire to lead his own country toward greatness and glory. Thus China's conflict with the Soviet Union is neither surprising nor unexpected.
In offering a wide selection of Mao's writings-including never- before-translated texts-Dr. Schram provides much-needed insight into Mao's background and thought. Like Chinese Communism itself, the political thought of Mao Tse-tung is neither uniquely Chinese nor uniquely Marxist-Leninist, and it must be analyzed and understood within this context. In his long introductory essay, the author provides this essential analysis, uncovering the roots of Mao's ideology: the double heritage of traditional Chinese thought and modern Marxism-Leninism.
Stuart R. Schram is Director of the Soviet and Chinese Section the Center for the Study of International Relations, Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques, Paris.
ISBN:6318539
