Speech at a Meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China[1]

(April 2, 1942)

In discussing the report on rectifying the three styles and examining work, and in unfolding self-criticism, it must be carried out in a planned way and under leadership; it should not be left unchecked. The firepower of ideological struggle should not be directed only against old cadres, but should be aimed at the shortcomings of both new and old cadres, so that after mutual criticism, new and old cadres may further their mutual understanding and unity. The attitude must be good; if the attitude is not good, it will provoke dissatisfaction in others. Do not use hidden arrows, do not use cold sarcasm; heated scolding is still somewhat better, but cold sarcasm is bad, because it will cause people to become suspicious and full of misgivings. This kind of atmosphere must not be allowed to grow within the Communist Party; it is harmful to everyone, it makes the Party disunited, it splits the Party. Do not use hidden arrows; we should adopt a positive attitude, attacking from above and below simultaneously. Our aim is to learn from past mistakes to avoid future ones and to cure the sickness to save the patient. Democracy should be developed in organs and schools, but there must still be leadership, so that this movement develops in the correct direction. As for the work of our various departments, this time we must conduct a thorough examination.

[1] This is part of Mao Zedong's speech at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China during the discussion on the method for discussing the Central Committee's decisions and Mao Zedong's report on rectifying the three styles in Yan'an. The Central Committee's decisions refer to the "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Strengthening Party Spirit" of July 1, 1941, and the "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Investigation and Research" of August 1, 1941, etc.