"Do not use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend's forehead."

It is widely thought of Mao, however, that the Chairman would not let his friends near a figurative toothpick, let alone a hatchet. In 1944, while still engaged and somewhat engulfed in bloody civil war, Mao stated that he and his communist party were not afraid of criticism, if they were indeed suffering shortcomings. Evidence that makes up the outcomes of Mao's various subsequent policies beg to differ. Communist China's shortcomings, culturally, economically, and socially, were hugely visible, yet Mao worked hard to prevent criticism.

It was no secret that Mao did not favour the idea of having political rivals. Political rivals will always be looking for ways to openly criticize in order to gain the favour of the people; such is the nature of politics. This is...