Conversation with Security Guards
(Winter 1957)

Source: *RMRB* (May 23, 1960), 3. Other Chinese Texts: *Mao jingwei*, p. 10.

This conversation took place on an airplane during one of Mao’s trips in the winter of 1957. It
took place between Mao and Sun Lianzhong, a security guard accompanying Mao on this trip.

Mao: Is it easy to study [physics and algebra]?
Sun: Physics is easy because it deals with things we do personally and things
we can see; it is also easy to remember. Algebra, however, is difficult.
Mao: You must study algebra well! Many of the calculations in physics and
chemistry have to be done with algebra. If you don’t study algebra well, you won’t
do well in physics and chemistry either. Don’t be afraid of difficulties!
Sun: We are not afraid of difficulties. We will certainly study well!

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1957 / 805