A Letter to Ma Yinchu
(November 15, 1951)
Yinchu:
Regarding the problem of student health, I spoke with you previously. This problem merits deep attention. I suggest adopting administrative steps to concretely solve this problem, putting forward the guideline of “Health First, Study Second.” I consider (a telegram from the East China Bureau of the CPC Central Committee dated January 11 is attached, please examine it; the third item therein deals with this problem) this to be correct. Comrade Deputy Minister Ma is requested to deliberate and handle this matter as deemed appropriate.
Mao Zedong
November 15, 1951
Attachment:
Telegram from the East China Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Dated January 11
“Health First, Study Second”
— An excerpt from the directive telegram on school work reported by the East China Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to the Central Committee on January 11
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(3) In transitioning to normal study, we must also guard against the deviation of adding more courses in the past and forcing progress through the curriculum. It can be seen from the physical examinations of students entering military academies this time that, as a result of the long-term reactionary rule of the Kuomintang, students’ physiques are weak and many suffer from illness. Yet since Liberation, various localities have also failed to properly attend to the principle of “Health First, Study Second,” thus creating a situation where the physical condition in public schools is the poorest, and the condition in universities is even worse than in secondary schools—a serious phenomenon that still persists. This point should arouse great vigilance. In accordance with the regulations of the East China Bureau’s Higher Education Conference, regular class hours should be appropriately reduced to accommodate the health needs of students.
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Chairman Mao’s comment: This is correct.