In a New York Times article dated February 20, 1997, author Patrick E. Tyler writes of a political “magician” who put China on the path to capitalism. China's “capitalist” revolution (this is not capitalism in the Western sense, but rather a communist/capitalist mix) is very significant in the study of world history; especially considering the form of Maoist government from which it emerged. In particular, there is one small-stature Chinese leader that this essay will focus on in the context of the revolution: Deng Xiaoping. While his diminutive size offered no clue to his great political stature, an investigation into his life certainly does. This essay will provide an informative look at the life and times of Deng Xiaoping through a chronological order of events. First, a look at Deng's early life and political impetus will be offered. Thus, a summary of his career under Mao's rule will shed light on his path to supreme political power. Finally, we will look at the post-Mao era and how Deng fits into Chinese political history. Each area of ​​focus will also include relevance to the broader context of the revolution itself. It is important in studying any political figure to take a careful look at his or her background. This section will explore that idea, as well as illuminate the path to power. In August 1904, Deng was born in Sichuan Province, central China. His parents gave him the name Deng Xiansheng, which means "first/first" "sage/saint". His mother's life ended when Deng was just a little boy. This was probably a contributing factor to Deng's rapid maturation. When he was five years old, Deng attended a private primary school, followed by a more modern education later in life. .. middle of the paper ......the annals of Chinese history. From his experience studying abroad, to the Long March, to his tour of southern China, Deng had a long and successful life as a reformist politician follows the chronology of his life, starting from his education and his early aspirations, up to his involvement (or non-involvement) in politics during Mao's rule. Finally, this article focuses on the post-Mao era and the enormous impact Deng had on pushing China accordingly, it's not whether one is big or small, a "magician" or not, but what one manages to accomplish , and in Deng's case he achieved the heights of political power, the success of economic reforms and the totality of a coherent ideology that he himself embodied. Deng said in 1961: "It doesn't matter whether it's a black or white cat, I think; a cat that catches mice is a good cat".."