I don't know how to describe the great leap forwards if not cynical. Not Stalin's collectivization of agriculture.
Their brand of idealism permitted the sacrifice of millions for what they believed was the greater good. I suppose there is a certain kind of optimism there, but it's still deeply cynical.
> That necessitates optimism.
Only if you’re into mass murder and artificially induced famines. The cultural revolution was another very ‘optimistic’ policy (well from the perspective of some deranged lunatics anyway)
As awful as Kissinger was Mao was just on another level of awfulness…
Is this referring to Mao and Kissinger? Calling Mao and Kissinger collectively cynical doesn’t fit. The imperialist war criminal being a cynical bastard makes sense. Not the eastern revolutionary leftist. That necessitates optimism.