Speech at the Administrative Office Meeting of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University[1]

(1935)

We must launch a reading contest to see who reads the most books and masters the most knowledge. As long as it is a book, whether Chinese or foreign, classical or modern, positive or negative, everyone may dabble in it. But one must not read ten lines at a glance. … In reading, first comes rough reading, to gain a general impression, then comes rereading, to review the important passages, which is also called intensive reading. On this basis, write some reading notes, ask a few whys, and think about the surrounding events in connection with reality. Only in this way can we prevent dogmatism and book worship.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong's speech at the Administrative Office Meeting of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University.