For more than four decades, Deng had followed Mao’s orders and had said what Mao wanted to hear. As a target of attack during the Cultural Revolution and with his eldest son paralyzed, Deng undoubtedly had strong personal feelings about the Cultural Revolution, but he had long separated those feelings from his work on national policy, following Mao’s lead without complaint. Why, when he clearly understood Mao’s intention, did Deng fail to comply this time? Deng knew that Mao was growing weaker and no longer had the commanding presence to control events as he had earlier; indeed, he did not have long to live. But the answer seems to lie in Deng’s estimate of what was needed for China’s future. Bo Yibo later said that if Deng had affirmed the Cultural Revolution, he could not have restored order, would not have been able to “seek the true path from facts,” and would not have been able to launch a new reform policy and liberate people’s thinking. That is, if Deng had approved of the policies of the Cultural Revolution, he would have undone much of the consolidation work and, because he would have been on record as supporting the earlier failed policies, he would have been unable to do what he considered necessary to move the country forward. Some rebels whom he had removed would have returned to power, making his tasks even more difficult, especially in education and science. If Deng was to be given a role in governing after Mao’s death, he would need to distance himself from class struggle, to continue the consolidation policies, and to gain full cooperation from those who suffered during the Cultural Revolution and believed it had been a disaster.
The value of biding your time and being patient and practical. There is a thin line between “being honest” and keeping your opinions to yourself for the greater good. I find that while western culture might promote “loyalty” as a universal morality, deception of your foes/enemies using cunning and skill are characteristics that are appreciated a lot more in Chinese culture.
Deng was able to recognise when the power had shifted and he needed to change his public stance in order to gain backing from party members.
