Moneybox

Maoist Cell Uncovered at National Center for Education Statistics

Look who’s quoting Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong now? Yep, the National Center on Education Statistics’ Kids’ Zone page!

That’s courtesy Lee Fang on Twitter. The thing about Mao is that in addition to being on every denomination of Chinese money and having been responsible for some of the greatest crimes against humanity in history, is that he’s extremely quotable. Catchphrases like “political power grows from the barrel of a gun” or “a revolution is not a dinner party” really stick with you. And the particular quote that NCES is aiming for here is good too, but they’ve clearly mangled it. Mao must have meant that we should be insatiable in learning and tireless in teaching. Otherwise it’s crazy advice.

Also crazy: Government websites quoting Mao. The PRC hasn’t taken over yet.