Brain-washing in Red China Hardcover – 1953

"This material was gathered in the Far East and southeast Asia during 1950 and 1951" the author states at the start. How do you create the perfect state, one in which the public is docile, believing and obedient? Education is important. Darwinism and the theory of a class society. Man = intelligent animal without a soul, so only issue of importance is that of material welfare. People should never forget that their ancestors were lowly animals. Textbooks were not needed for education, as notebooks filled with students' thoughts would act as textbooks. Sleep deprivation, constant thirst and hunger, constant observation were also helpful.

What makes a good citizen? The good worker should demand longer hours for less pay? A simple diet is best. In 1950 China eggs were apparently regarded as a bourgeois idea of enjoyment. Having the police visit at any time of the day or night would helpfully facilitate harmony.

The book goes right through the thought control process. Education, adoration of the "people's" army, the singing of folk songs of slaughter of the enemy, anti-American and anti-Western European propaganda. The destruction of marriage was another component, as was the redefinition of democracy as the privilege of agreeing to what had already been decided.

As I read through this book, it occurred to me that what happened to China after World War 2 is happening to European countries. For example, the media hypes up the anti-God Darwinist writings of Richard Dawkins, marriage continues to decline, democracy involves agreeing to whatever the secret meetings of the European Union have decided. With the capitalist system seemingly under constant strain, perhaps this book offers a vision of the future for everyone.