A revolutionary cadre must be able to read and write, and possess a broad knowledge of both social and natural phenomena, as the foundation for both practical work and theoretical study. Only then can there be any hope of performing one’s duties well or of mastering theory. Without this foundation—if one is illiterate, unable to read or write, and whose understanding of social and natural matters is confined to what one has directly observed and experienced—such a person may perhaps be able to carry out certain tasks, but it will be impossible to do them effectively. Similarly, while one might gain some grasp of revolutionary principles, it would be equally impossible to achieve a thorough and sound understanding of them.