Without a new culture, there can be no new ideas; without new ideas, there can be no new research; without new research, there can be no new materials. The people of Hunan are now suffering from a famine of the mind even more severe than the famine of the stomach, and the youth, in particular, are crying out to be fed. The Cultural Book Society wishes to introduce, in the quickest and simplest way, various new periodicals from China and abroad, so as to provide materials for new research to the youth and all progressive people of Hunan. Perhaps this will lead to the emergence of new ideas and a new culture—that is truly what we earnestly pray for and hope without end.

The Cultural Book Society was initiated by a group of us who understand one another and have complete trust in one another. No matter who invests capital, it shall never be withdrawn, nor shall any interest ever be taken. This book society shall forever be jointly owned by those who have invested capital. If the society prospers and its assets grow to several hundred yuan, no one shall profit from it; if it fails and is reduced to a single yuan, no one shall bear resentment. We all recognize that on this earth, in the city of Changsha, there exists this one "commonly owned" book society.

(Excerpt from *The Glorious May Fourth*, p. 91, China Youth Publishing House, 1959 edition.)