One must also cultivate two qualities: first, the quality of the pine tree, and second, the quality of the willow. The pine grows strong and unyielding, undaunted by wind and snow; even in the harshest cold, it stands tall and steadfast. The pine embodies “principledness.” The willow, on the other hand, can take root anywhere; come springtime, its branches burst into lush foliage and sway gently in the breeze, exuding a charming grace. The willow exemplifies “flexibility.”

A Communist Party member should possess both the pine’s “principledness” and the willow’s “flexibility”—neither can be lacking.