Mao's Ten Commandments for the Modern Philosopher

Thou shalt not question the Great Leader's decree.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's Mao-memorabilia

Thou shalt not forget to bring a decent lunch to the people's commissar

Thou shalt not question the efficacy of forced labor camps for reeducation

And lo, the masses shall be happy and content... or at least, that's the plan.

Thou shalt not forget to wear a suitably somber expression during state funerals

For the sake of the Revolution, of course.

Thou shalt not question the wisdom of a five-year-plan

Because, clearly, it's all about the long view.

Thou shalt not forget to bring a sufficient number of Red Guards to the people's rallies

Or the people shall riot.

Thou shalt not question the Great Leap Forward

For it's all about progress, comrade.

Thou shalt not forget to wear a Mao badge of honor

For it's a symbol of devotion to the Party.

Thou shalt not question the efficacy of mass reeducation as a solution to all social ills

Because, clearly, it works in theory.

Thou shalt not forget to bring a sufficient number of propaganda posters to every public gathering

For the people must be informed, comrade.

Thou shalt not question the wisdom of a good old-fashioned purge

For it's all about the people, and the people will be happy and content... or at least, that's the plan.