Jung Chang - Living through Cultural Revolution and the Crimes of Mao
Dwarkesh Podcast
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Redefining Loyalty Amid Betrayal
The complex dynamics of power and personal trauma in politics are highlighted through the experience of Deng Xiaoping, who, despite enduring severe personal consequences from Mao's policies, refrained from outright condemnation of Mao after the Cultural Revolution. This choice raised questions about loyalty versus justice in political discourse, as a more critical stance could have aligned with the public sentiment against Mao. The contrast with Khrushchev's denouncement of Stalin suggests that Deng's failure to distance himself from Mao could be seen as a significant error, both ethically and politically, reflecting the intricate balances political figures must navigate between personal grievances and the broader political landscape.
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