While studying at the First Normal School, Chairman Mao read many progressive books and periodicals of the time. After reading “The Book of National Shame,” he was filled with righteous indignation and, seizing his brush, wrote on the book:

“May 7th,
A profound national disgrace;
How shall we avenge it?
It rests with us, the students!”

These sixteen characters fully reflect the revolutionary ambition and sense of responsibility that the Chairman had already developed in his youth—namely, to take the destiny of the nation upon himself.