I think it's the other way around -- existing Chinese culture gave rise to what we call "Maoism". Mao took things to an extreme that were already present: the s

I think it's the other way around -- existing Chinese culture gave rise to what we call "Maoism". Mao took things to an extreme that were already present: the susceptibility to groupthink, frankness about people's weaknesses and failings (as well as strengths -- for example, everybody knows who the #1 student is).