“All reactionaries are paper tigers.”
- December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976
- Born in China
- Politician, thinker
- He led the Chinese socialist revolution and succeeded in founding the country, but the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution brought much chaos and sacrifice.
Quote
“All reactionaries are paper tigers.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mao Zedong uses the metaphor of a “paper tiger” to describe reactionaries, or those who oppose revolutionary change, particularly those who support the old, oppressive systems of power. Mao argues that while reactionaries may appear to be powerful and threatening on the surface—just as a paper tiger might look fearsome—they are in fact weak and ineffective when confronted directly. The “paper tiger” represents the idea that the strength of reactionary forces is often illusory, built more on fear and intimidation than on actual power or substance. Mao believed that once the people rose up against these forces and saw through their false power, they would realize that the reactionaries could be defeated with collective action.
Mao’s concept of the paper tiger was integral to his revolutionary thinking, particularly during the Chinese Communist Revolution and in his struggle against imperialist and feudal forces. He sought to inspire confidence in the masses, urging them not to be intimidated by the seemingly powerful ruling classes or foreign imperialists. According to Mao, the people could overcome these forces through revolutionary struggle, mobilizing their collective strength and will. In this sense, the reactionaries, who were often seen as powerful, were ultimately no more than a paper tiger—something that could be easily torn down once the people understood their true weakness.
In a modern context, this quote serves as a reminder not to be intimidated by forces or systems that may seem invincible or all-powerful but are actually fragile when confronted with unified resistance. Whether in political movements, corporate structures, or social injustices, the idea that oppressive systems or reactionary forces are often built on fear and misperceptions can encourage people to take action. Recognizing that these forces may only be paper tigers can inspire individuals and groups to challenge the status quo, knowing that united efforts can expose the weaknesses of those who appear to be in power.
