To Xu Fanting

(August 22, 1944)

Comrade Fanting:

Your denunciatory article (the letter to Yan) has been read and can be published immediately, and broadcast widely, to awaken the stubborn and strengthen the weak[1], and to boost the people's morale. I only learned from Comrade Wang Bin that you have been hospitalized. Writing such articles will certainly aggravate your illness. However, I hear that your recuperation method has been changed to complete bed rest, which is very good. Comrade Kai Feng recovered fully using this method. Comrade Jiang Qing has also improved considerably with this method. I hope you will use this method to achieve a complete cure.

Recently, sympathy for us has been growing daily both at home and abroad. The past state of isolation, marked by blockade, attacks, and vilification, may undergo a major change. This news may also help in the treatment of your illness. I hope you will persist in the policy of recuperation through bed rest.

With salutations,

Mao Zedong

August 22

[1] See Mencius, "Wan Zhang II": "Thus, those who hear of the integrity of Boyi find the greedy become honest and the weak develop resolve." This refers to the great power of moral influence, which can make the avaricious incorruptible and enable the timid to stand on their own feet.