Some people have asked,”if production is so high, why is our food supply so tight? Why can’t female comrades buy hairpins? Why can’t people get soap or matches?” Well, if we cannot clearly explain the situation, let’s not explain it. Let’s just stick it out and carry on our work with even greater determination and energy. We will have more supplies next year. Then we will explain everything. In short, the situation in general is excellent. There are many problems but the future is bright.
“
| — |
Mao Zedong on July 2, 1959, while tens of millions were dying the famine of the Great Leap Forward from The Private Life of Chairman Mao by his personal physician Dr. Li Zhisui |







