Annotations to the Article “The Editors of ‘Literature and Art News’ Should Thoroughly Examine Their Bourgeois Style” [1] (November 1954)

I. First of all, the question is not whether there has been self-criticism, but whether mistakes have been made. [2]

II. [3] Not only over several years, but forever, conflicts will exist.

III. Readers, being unaware of the situation, spoke incorrectly. [4]

IV. It is not a matter of arrogance, but rather that the editorial department has been dominated by bourgeois ideology. [5]

V. It is not a loss of sensitivity, but rather an extremely acute, anti-Marxist sensitivity. [6]

VI. The problem does not lie in these issues, but in their bourgeois, anti-Marxist stance and viewpoint. [7]

Published based on Mao Zedong’s handwritten notes.

Notes [1] These are six annotations written by Mao Zedong while reading the article “The Editors of ‘Literature and Art News’ Should Thoroughly Examine Their Bourgeois Style,” signed Li Zhi and published in the People’s Daily on November 10, 1954. Li Zhi was a pen name of Li Shuguang.

[2] In his article, Li Zhi criticized the editors of “Literature and Art News,” stating: “An arrogant and complacent attitude has been growing within the publication. The most obvious manifestation of this is that, despite its primary mission being literary criticism, the journal itself practically lacks any spirit of self-criticism.” Mao Zedong drew a vertical line next to the phrase “the journal itself practically lacks any spirit of self-criticism,” placed a question mark, and wrote this annotation.

[3] In Volume 5, Issue 3 of “Literature and Art News” published in 1951, an article titled “A Review of ‘When the Grapes Ripen’” appeared, which stated: “China today is no longer the China ruled by Chiang Kai-shek’s bandits, but a new China under the leadership of the Communist Party… This society no longer possesses the social foundations for nurturing old ideologies. On the contrary, in the new relations of production, people’s thoughts and moral character can only improve day by day. Although the degree of development and change among individuals may vary, it is undeniable that, under the influence and education of the new society, they all exhibit traits fundamentally different from those of people in the old society.” After quoting this passage, Li Zhi countered: “So it turns out that just two years after Chiang Kai-shek’s bandits were driven off the mainland, China had already lost the social foundations for nurturing old ideas.” Mao Zedong’s annotation was directed specifically at this passage.

[4] On May 10, 1951, “Literature and Art News” published an article titled “Readers’ Opinions on Volume 3 of ‘Literature and Art News,’” compiled by the editorial staff themselves. This article collected only praise from readers regarding the journal, without mentioning any shortcomings or errors. Li Zhi pointed out in his article: “The editors of ‘Literature and Art News’ seem to be intoxicated by this wave of acclaim—apparently, they truly believe they are perfect, even ‘outstanding.’ Of course, the readers’ opinions are sincere.” Mao Zedong’s annotation here was aimed at this particular passage in Li Zhi’s text.

[5] Li Zhi criticized “Literature and Art News,” saying: “It is precisely this arrogant and complacent attitude that has gradually caused the journal to become detached from reality and from the masses, losing its sensitivity to new things.” Mao Zedong placed a question mark next to this sentence and wrote this annotation.

[6] Li Zhi further criticized “Literature and Art News” in his article, stating: “In many respects, the editors have lost their keen sense of current major political issues. They are trapped in the cold confines of formalism, lacking enthusiasm for new things and new ideas.” Mao Zedong wrote this annotation specifically in response to this passage.

[7] Li Zhi stated in his article: “The arrogant and overbearing attitude of the editors of ‘Literature and Art News’ is also reflected in the journal’s bossy style.” Mao Zedong drew vertical lines next to the words “arrogant and overbearing” and “bossy style,” and wrote this annotation.