Context

This quote was written by the political leader of Communist China, Mao Zedong, in Problems of War and Strategy, November 6, 1938.

Similar to the way most things purchased in the U.S. are stamped "Made in China," China itself should be stamped "Made by Mao Zedong": Zedong was a driving force in transforming China.

In his political text "Problems of War and Strategy," Zedong wrote that "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." What he means is that guns should be kept out of the hands of the people. It's the Party (that's the Communist Party, not Party Rock) that should have the guns, not the people. Otherwise, the people might try to overthrow the party.

Where you've heard it

This quote is rolled out by anti-gun control activists, who believe that keeping guns away from the people is a sign of the country shifting toward Communism.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Whether or not you believe in gun control, this quote ultimately boils down to keeping the common folk in their place.