Lin Biao Quotes

Powerful Lin Biao for Daily Growth

About Lin Biao

Lin Biao (林彪), born Zhang Fuqiu (张富秋) on December 28, 1907, in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, was a prominent Chinese military figure and revolutionary who served as the Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of China (CPC) from 1966 to 1971. His birth name Zhang Fuqiu was changed to Lin Biao by Mao Zedong in 1935, based on the surnames of his parents' original families: Li and Ning. Lin Biao played a crucial role in the Chinese Revolution, serving as Mao Zedong's close comrade during the Long March and the establishment of the People's Republic of China. He rose to become one of the most powerful figures in the CPC, holding key positions such as Commander-in-Chief of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1959 until his death. Lin Biao's political thoughts were encapsulated in a work known as "Long Live the Victory of People's War!" (长命人民战争的胜利!), which emphasized military preparedness and political education. His most famous quote, "Struggle on every front, attack wherever possible" (在每一个方面斗争,哪里可攻必可攻) reflects his military strategy during the Chinese Civil War and his belief in constant revolution until communism was achieved globally. However, Lin Biao's influence declined after the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, with Mao Zedong accusing him of plotting to usurp power. On September 13, 1971, Lin Biao and his family were killed in a plane crash while attempting to flee China. The circumstances surrounding his death remain controversial, with some believing he was planning a coup, while others suggest the incident was a fabrication by Mao Zedong. Lin Biao's legacy remains contentious within China; while he is revered as a military hero and revolutionary, his role in the Cultural Revolution and accusations of treason have led to criticism and denial of his contributions.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Learn from the past, struggle in the present, and prepare for the future."

This quote by Lin Biao emphasizes the importance of understanding history (learn from the past), taking action in the current moment (struggle in the present), and planning for future opportunities or challenges (prepare for the future). It's a call to be mindful of historical lessons, adaptable in the face of contemporary issues, and proactive when it comes to shaping our future.


"The people's hearts, the guns, and the factories — all these belong to the party."

This quote from Lin Biao suggests that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claimed ownership over three essential elements of power in China during its rule: the loyalty (hearts) of the people, the military force (guns), and the industrial infrastructure (factories). In other words, the CCP believed that these critical aspects were under their control, enabling them to exercise absolute authority and governance. This perspective reflects a centralized and authoritarian approach to leadership, emphasizing the primacy of the party over all other institutions in society.


"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."

The quote "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun," attributed to Chinese revolutionary leader Lin Biao, highlights the notion that military force or threat of violence can establish and maintain political power. It suggests that when other means of influence (e.g., diplomacy, persuasion) fail, the ultimate coercive tool—military might—can be used to control a political landscape. The statement underscores the importance of strong armed forces in shaping political outcomes, even though such an approach may not foster long-lasting stability or harmony.


"For every political problem, there is a military solution; for every military problem, there is a political solution."

This quote suggests that power struggles or conflicts, whether they are on a political level (e.g., disagreements over policy) or on a military level (e.g., territorial disputes), can often be resolved by finding an appropriate balance of political strategy (negotiations, diplomacy) and military force (physical action). In other words, the quote implies that using either politics or military might alone may not lead to a lasting solution, and that both elements should be considered when addressing complex problems.


"Under the guidance of Mao Tse-tung Thought, everything is possible, all things can be achieved."

This quote by Lin Biao emphasizes the power of Mao Tse-tung's ideology (Mao Tsetung Thought) in achieving any goal or overcoming any obstacle. It suggests that with strong leadership and a unified belief in a particular ideology, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. The quote highlights the conviction that when people are guided by a powerful ideology, they can overcome challenges and achieve great things.


In the final analysis, the whole cause of world revolution hinges on the revolutionary struggles of the Asian, African and Latin American people who make up the overwhelming majority of the world's population.

- Lin Biao

American, Cause, Whole, Asian

Taking the entire globe, if North America and Western Europe can be called the 'cities of the world', then Asia, Africa and Latin America constitute 'the rural areas of the world'.

- Lin Biao

Africa, Cities, North, Latin

One word from Chairman Mao is worth ten thousand from others. His every statement is truth. We must carry out those we that understand as well as those we don't.

- Lin Biao

Worth, Understand, Out, Chairman

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