“To read too many books is harmful.”
- 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
“To read too many books is harmful.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mao Zedong expresses his view that excessive or uncritical reading can lead to negative outcomes. Mao was concerned that over-reliance on theoretical knowledge or foreign ideas could distract individuals from engaging with the real world and practical experience. According to Mao, people should not just accumulate knowledge from books but should instead focus on direct experience, learning through action and engagement with the struggles of the people. In his view, books could potentially promote abstract thinking and detachment from the real issues facing society. Instead, he advocated for a balanced approach, where practice and action took precedence over purely theoretical study.
Mao’s criticism of excessive reading can be seen in the context of his revolutionary ideology and his emphasis on the need for leaders and revolutionaries to be deeply connected to the masses and the practical realities of the world. He believed that while intellectual work was important, it should not overshadow the need for practical involvement and engagement with the people. For Mao, revolutionary theory was valuable only if it was tested and applied in the real world to solve actual problems.
In contemporary terms, this quote serves as a reminder that knowledge and learning should always be grounded in practical application. While reading is valuable, it is important not to become so absorbed in theory that one loses sight of the practical challenges and the need for action. In the modern world, this idea encourages a balance between intellectual study and real-world experience, urging individuals not to get lost in theoretical knowledge but to focus on actionable insights that can lead to real change.
