Four Essays That Open Up Mao's Selected Works

Bought the Selected Works, opened the first page, but couldn't read on? Don't worry, I used to be the same.

At first I thought a book should be read from the beginning, so I opened Volume One and forced myself through article by article. A few pieces in, I couldn't go on, and the book ended up gathering dust.

Later a friend told me: The Selected Works is not a novel; you don't have to read it from start to finish. You can pick the articles you're interested in and that are easier to understand.

I tried the order he recommended, and sure enough, I slowly got into it. These four articles are the ones I think work best as an introduction.

First piece: 'Oppose Book Worship'

This one is short, good for warming up.

It contains a famous line: "No investigation, no right to speak."

The meaning is simple: when facing a matter, don't jump to conclusions based on impressions or what others say; first clarify the actual situation.

For example, when you see people arguing online, there's no need to rush to take sides. Look at the background of the matter and consider whether both sides have any basis.

After reading this, you'll quickly discover that the principles in the book aren't just written on paper; they can also help you think through your own problems.

Second piece: 'On Practice'

This one mainly discusses the relationship between "knowing" and "doing."

It mentions: to know the taste of a pear, you have to taste it yourself.

This sounds simple, but in life it's actually useful. How someone tells you a pear is sweet is different from the feeling you get when you take a bite yourself.

Many things work this way: listening to others gives you a rough idea; trying it yourself shows you what it's really like. Along the way you may make mistakes or take losses, but you also gain a deeper understanding.

Third piece: 'On Contradiction'

This one can help us see the priorities of a problem.

When trouble piles up in life, problems often come one after another, and you don't know where to start. At that point, pause, sort out the issues, and look at what is most critical right now.

For example, when you're busy at work, you want to meet progress and also perfect every detail. But time is limited, so you have to think clearly: is the most important thing to finish on time, or to polish a key part?

Finding the key point and then arranging other things is often more effective than grabbing at everything at once.

This one can be read slowly, and it's worth flipping through again after a while.

Fourth piece: 'On Protracted War'

This one is longer than the previous ones; you can read it at a slower pace.

It discusses the situation and strategy of the War of Resistance against Japan at that time. When reading it, you can also connect it to your own life and think: when at a disadvantage, how do you see reality clearly, set a strategy, and then build strength step by step.

If you're starting from a low point or can't see results for a while, this one is worth reading. It reminds us that many things can't be done all at once; you need patience and to adjust your methods as you go.

Once you're in, it's not so hard

After reading these four, going back to other pieces in the Selected Works becomes easier.

You can first remember a few directions for thinking: understand the actual situation, test understanding through practice, distinguish the priorities of problems, and learn to look at things with a longer view.

Don't force yourself to read from the front, and don't worry if you're not getting in yet. Pick something you're interested in and read that first; when you hit something unclear, slow down and take your time.