Chairman Mao asked everyone: "Have you swum in a force-seven gale?"

"Have you swum in waves as tall as a person?"

"Swimming is a sport of struggle against nature. You should go to the great rivers and seas to temper yourselves."

"This is very good. The troops must learn to swim."

"Only by knowing how to rest can one endure."

"The times have changed. Men and women are the same. Whatever male comrades can accomplish, female comrades can accomplish as well."

"In future wars, we will still have to rely on our two legs."

"There are many places that cannot be passed through. It seems only two feet are useful."