The Present International and Domestic Situation[1]

(May 20, 1944)

At present, both the international situation and the domestic situation are such that the anti-fascist forces are rising and the forces of the people’s revolution are rising. Therefore, for the whole world, victory is approaching, and for China, victory is also approaching. At present, the question for us is how to welcome victory, and for this reason two problems must be particularly stressed. First, we must guard against arrogance. Arrogance is most harmful; in the history of our Party, we have suffered quite a few losses on account of arrogance. Arrogance is like a bundle; anyone can carry this bundle on his back. Now we must lay down this bundle; only by laying down this bundle can we get close to the masses. None of our comrades should be arrogant; we should not see only our own strong points but should at all times see our own shortcomings and at all times learn. Second, we must open up our minds and be good at thinking about problems. If everyone lays down the bundle of arrogance and can get close to the masses, yet cannot solve problems for the masses, it will still be useless. Now we must all think more about problems, only then can we solve them.

[1] This is part of a report on the current situation delivered by Mao Zedong at the First Department of the Central Party School.