(1958, May)
Outline of a Speech at the Plenary Session on May 8th
Title: Dispelling Superstition
↑To Professors
Dispelling superstition means rejecting all constraints.
Breaking away from Marx’s 121 [referring to his theories].
Blind faith leads to self-deprecation.
Celestial bodies, deities, foreigners, bacteria—131 [examples].
Since ancient times, inventors have been young people, the lowly, the oppressed, those lacking formal education, and even the unlearned.
The most renowned scholars are often the least learned; stagnant environments rarely give rise to innovation.
Dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act.
The working people harbor an immense reservoir of creative potential.
Industry is nothing extraordinary; our superstitious fears are misplaced.
It is possible to catch up with the United States within fifteen years.
Gong Dingxi’s poem (41
25 1

Mountains bow their heads, rivers yield the way.
This is not arrogance but realism.
The unity of revolutionary spirit and practical spirit.
Being the world’s leading power does not equate to great-power chauvinism—such behavior is ugly and vulgar.
Gan Luo, Jia Yi, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, Han Xin, Sakyamuni, Yan Hui, Hong Niang, Gou Guanniang, the Young General in White Armor, Yue Fei, Wang Bo, Li He, Li Shimin, Luo Shixin, Du Fuwei, Marx, Lenin, Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang, Sun Ce, Wang Zuo, the inventor of sleeping pills, the discoverer of penicillin, Darwin, Yang Zhenning, Li Zhengdao, Hao Jianxiu, Nie Er,
Which day Mao, King of Lanlingluniforms.
Reason: The direction is correct, yet many famous figures remain conservative and backward.
The world belongs to the youth; each new wave pushes forward the old. Like stacking firewood, the later generation will surpass the former.
Oppose Jia Gui ((•(
Conventional modesty is a form of hypocrisy; true modesty aligns with reality.
This is an ideological issue, a matter of the superstructure.
Without lifting the lid, there is no hope.
Once the lid is lifted, great prospects emerge.
Raise red flags, pursue innovation.
Learn from Lenin (7(
The advanced East versus the backward Europe.
In fifteen years, things may reverse; if we’re not careful, the tail will inevitably wag the dog.
No matter—another negation will bring renewed vitality.
Consider this: Greek dialectics—medieval metaphysics—Renaissance.
Consider this:
The Hundred Schools debate during the Warring States period—feudal
“architecture”
era’s
“superior” metaphysics—modern dialectics.
These are objective realities, aren’t they?
Setting up contradictions is absolutely necessary.

How should we set them up? Based on objectively existing contradictions.
We’ll continue next time. Goodbye! Thank you very much.
Deeply “moved” by gratitude!
Dispelling superstition
There is still so much superstition today.
Fear of teachers, fear of Marx.
Science seems unattainable.
Industry appears daunting.
The military also carries an aura of mystery.
The atomic bomb, in particular, can be quite intimidating.
Using the Soviet Union as a scare tactic.
Our army has many intelligent comrades. We shouldn’t underestimate ourselves. Instead, we should adopt everything useful and develop our own innovations.
Raise red flags, discern the wind’s direction—use your sense of smell to detect its scent—and don’t be intimidated by ambitious individuals. Even among ten thousand people, there will always be some who are overly ambitious.
Only by identifying the wind’s direction can we properly raise red flags.
There may be more than just one point of contention; there could be several smaller ones as well.
We need to analyze: Comrade A differs from Comrade B.
We must study our own history—military history and other areas.
What I’ve summarized here is only a small part. We need to broaden our scope and avoid confining ourselves to this narrow framework.
Studying Marxism provides us with methods and a common language.
We should learn from the Soviet Union, not by blindly copying, but by selectively adopting what is useful.
We must absorb all that is beneficial and, conversely, learn from what is useless, always keeping our own interests as the priority rather than simply following others.
We must also learn from Japan and the United States, despite them being our adversaries.
Marx and Lenin both opposed treating their doctrines as dogma.
The significance of this meeting
II
Outline of a Speech at the Plenary Session on May 17th
The Great Significance of Eliminating the Four Pests
India’s Response
We will not promote slogans like “Technology decides everything” or “Cadres decide everything,” nor will we use Lenin’s slogan, “Soviet power plus electrification equals communism.” Instead, we will put forward our own slogans, which are actually faster and better. Why is that?
Our slogans are more ingenious, potentially bringing cadres, technology, and even communism closer sooner.
Over the past 20 years,
we were supposed to produce 18 million tons of steel, but we can achieve it in just 13 years.
Why? Because of our six hundred million people, our mass line approach, and our humble stance as ordinary workers. We have developed Lenin’s principle of democratic centralism—combining strictness with flexibility, unity with struggle—in short, we have further refined dialectical thinking.
Please consider this for yourselves.
Yesterday, a comrade made an incorrect statement:
“Following someone is always a good thing,” then again, “following” or “not following”—we need independent thought.
The word “follow” is inappropriate.
We should present ourselves before the people as ordinary workers. Senior cadres, members of the Central Committee…
All ten fingers…
Their positions must be correctly arranged.
Internal contradictions among the working people generally manifest as nine parts conflict and one part harmony. In the bourgeois camp,

there is a centrist faction, where the middle represents a fifty-fifty split.
Often, when faced with specific issues, they forget this balance, risking the mistake of shooting themselves in the foot, such as the Gao Gang incident in 1956. The true nature of that error was:
The Secretariat
The Training Department
Preparing to deal with a major catastrophe.
(1) War
(2) Division—those who fail to prioritize the overall situation will suffer severe consequences.
The long-standing influence of bourgeois ideology and habits.
There may still be 300,000 rightists (both inside and outside the Party).
Millions of people may hold left-leaning views.
Intensive rectification campaigns will continue for over a decade.
The Anti-Rightist Campaign was meant to correct past errors of leaning too far to the right.
A hundred flowers blooming—a necessity for the long term.
Revisionism
Close cooperation within the socialist camp.
Learning while stepping down from leadership positions.
All under heaven are brothers.
Everyone is an amateur; only amateurs can lead professionals.
East Wind, West Wind, Yugoslavia, Asia-Africa-Latin America.
Atomic war, optimism.
Prepare for criticism and internal party divisions.
Comrades, please prepare for the next congress.
Prepare for winter plowing.

I
Outline of a Speech at the Plenary Session on May 20th
Returning to the topic of dispelling superstition.
Materials from the First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry, Yin l
Should include agriculture, forestry, water resources, and health sectors.
Again, let us appear as ordinary workers.
“The boss is always right,” looking down on others will quickly eliminate most people, leaving only a few who can cause trouble.
Another sweeping campaign.
This is a base and vulgar pursuit.
Great-power chauvinism will thus receive a fatal blow.
The principle that amateurs can lead professionals is universal.
Everyone is both a professional and an amateur.
Professionals are few, amateurs are many—for example, ten thousand lines.
It is necessary for everyone to master several different skills, transitioning from amateur to professional and back again.
The rightists raised this issue without providing a systematic response.
Raise red flags, discern the wind’s direction.
Either the proletariat raises red flags, or the bourgeoisie raises white flags, or others raise gray flags.
Enhance our sense of smell to identify the wind’s direction.
Talent, learning, and insight—here, we emphasize insight. Liu Zhiji (19), the extreme importance of having keen perception.
Stalin’s theory of foresight: Standing in the stands, one sees nothing.

The Book of Changes asks: Can one truly perceive the subtle signs? Clearly, it is not easy.
Don’t be overly naive.
Commonplace, vulgar modesty prevents raising red flags. Those who keep silent are merely imitating the characters in “The Scholars.”
Let’s talk about disasters again:
Bad things can turn into good ones.
Joyous and sorrowful events alike.
Major, medium, and minor disasters.
Atomic warfare, party splits—discuss these openly and dispel superstitions.
Xu |: If you firmly believe in ghosts, you won’t fear death, and you won’t fear ghosts either.
Mutation—the most fundamental law of the universe—is superior to gradual change.
Disruption of equilibrium is preferable to maintaining it, but we must avoid sliding into extremism.
Balance, gradual change, and unity are temporary and relative; imbalance, qualitative transformation, and division are permanent and absolute.
We should prevent, and indeed can prevent, a major split that would harm the people.
Yugoslavia, Faust, Chen Duxiu, Zhang Guotao, Ding Ling, Li Feng, Li Shinong, Sha Wenhan, Gu Dacun, Chen Zaili, Saifulayev, Sun Diancai, Sun Zuobin, Pan Fusheng 1 101
Division can be a good thing.
In the future, there will be divisions every year and every month, just as cells constantly die.
At the same time, there will be unity every year and every month, mirroring the continuous regeneration of cells.
The emergence, development, and eventual dissolution of the First, Second, and Third Internationals, along with the Bureau of Propaganda.
Only through destruction can there be growth; ultimately, everything returns to nature and is reborn.
Isn’t Confucius still alive today? Isn’t that itself a major disaster?

Drumming and singing (III is correct.
Funerals should be celebrated.
Such celebrations are inevitable because they unite people in the struggle for production and class struggle.
Heredity versus variability, habit versus creativity, old conditioned reflexes versus new ones—setting up oppositions (natural and man-made).
The fear of death is a conditioned reflex.
I share this reflex as well.
The unity of sorrow and joy—the latter taking precedence, embodied in optimism.
A person’s thoughts are often caught between creation and destruction.
The art of managing party splits lies in foresight and skillful leadership.
Healing and saving lives.
Allow revolution.
The significance of this lecture:
Awaken your consciousness, prepare mentally, embrace optimism.
Folk songs.
The integration of folk songs with classical poetry, drawing inspiration from foreign works.
Immediately arrange for winter plowing.
The 1959 plan and budget.
An early August meeting of provincial party secretaries 1121.
Economy, industry, agriculture, commerce, education, and the military—each sector needs attention within two months, with industry (including transportation) receiving particular focus.
The third congress will be held next May; please make preparations.
This congress has gone very well.

Many of you possess the ability to think, analyze, and synthesize—intelligent and talented individuals. I am delighted. Your future lies ahead. However, I wonder about your moral character. What does it entail? It means faithfully serving the people, dedicating oneself wholeheartedly until death; prioritizing the collective interest over personal gain; discerning the wind’s direction and boldly raising red flags while removing black and gray ones; presenting yourself as an ordinary worker and blending seamlessly with the masses.
Present yourself as an ordinary worker.
Regularly dissect and examine yourself ideologically and politically, learning from Lu Xun; read his complete works; stay informed by newspapers and books.
Study: Read books and newspapers.
You should learn standardized training methods, but otherwise, you can teach yourself. Hua Luogeng, Tsiolkovsky 1131.
Dispelling superstition
People harbor various superstitions: eating dog meat, swimming freely, learning English.
Self-deprecating attitudes and servile tendencies.
Self-reliance versus cooperatives—some find the latter more effective.
Those waiting for King Wen to prosper are merely common folk...
Waiting for Marx...
The notion that “we cannot survive without the Soviet Union (in industry and the military)” is untenable.
There was no Soviet Union before the Soviet Union.
There was no Marxist thought before Marx.
We must earnestly study both Marxism and the Soviet experience. Failure to do so, insufficient study, or superficial engagement are all mistakes.
We should study the good, the bad, and the neutral aspects. This is not mere imitation, but rather analysis, research, and understanding. We must also seriously consider and incorporate bourgeois ideas—indeed, it is essential to do so.

Why not think independently when you already possess a brain?
Marx and Lenin serve as guiding principles, not dogmas. Dogmatism is the most futile and repulsive approach.
We need to develop our own theories.
Although my efforts have been limited, I have at least analyzed a portion of our experience.
You should surpass me.
Dogmatic thinkers have no standing to comment on my views.
One comrade rightly pointed out that some of my ideas are applicable, while others are not. This constitutes a proper analysis.
The dogmatic view: “Learning through burial.”
Discrimination and unequal treatment.
Equal treatment with dogmatists and with foreigners.
The truth: Learn critically from everything—Party Central Committee documents, Marxist-Leninist texts, foreign materials, my own words, and yours as well.
All under heaven are brothers.
Have you reviewed the economic documents?
Shortcomings in military work.
IV
Outline of a Speech at the Plenary Session on May 23rd
The system of genuine collective leadership combined with individual responsibility must be strictly implemented.
For example:
(1) The preface to the rural socialist upsurge was adopted by the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee.
(2) The “Promotion Committee” was proposed during an expanded Politburo meeting (a gathering of intellectuals, attended by many), presented in a speech, and subsequently tacitly approved by unanimous applause.
(3) The Forty Articles were passed at an expanded Politburo meeting (with all provincial party secretaries in attendance).
[Passed]
(4) The Ten Major Relationships were also adopted at the same meeting.
(5) Speed, economy, and quality were approved by the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee.
Some comrades initially agreed (no one objected), but five months or even just one month later, they began to express opposition, disagreement, or doubt. They then proceeded to challenge these decisions through unauthorized meetings, effectively launching a campaign against the “anti-inflationary drive.”
During the Eighth Plenary Session of the Second Central Committee in November 1956, a sudden surge occurred advocating for an anti-inflationary stance. In practice, this overturned the Forty Articles, the emphasis on speed, economy, and quality, the Promotion Committee, and the preface (originally aimed at countering right-wing conservatism), replacing them with a policy focused on combating left-wing adventurism. The ten-person task force dissolved without achieving any results. However, the Eighth Plenary Session failed to reach a clear resolution (in fact, no resolutions were made at all). Instead, seven distinct opinions emerged, and I concluded that our achievements outweighed the shortcomings, with the overall direction remaining one of progress. As the saying goes, “the shadow of a flying bird never moves,” indicating continued forward momentum. Nevertheless, the “anti-inflationary” sentiment spread across most parts of the country.
Why is that?
Within the Party, besides the rightists, there exists a group inclined towards conformism and another advocating regression—an enthusiastic movement.
Most of these comrades are fundamentally good people, and their mistakes can be corrected. We should assist them.
Their errors differ in principle from those of Pan Fusheng, Gu Dacun, Li Shinong, Sha Wenhan, Sun Diancai, Sun Zuobin, Saifulayev, and others. We must distinguish between them carefully.
This session of the Congress was conducted very successfully.
The Party relies on such congresses to formulate policies and oversee the central leadership.
[1]
The Second Session of the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing from May 5 to 23, 1958. During the conference, Mao Zedong delivered four speeches. This document contains outlines of those four addresses.
[2]
In his speech, after mentioning that “most of our comrades once feared bourgeois professors, but gradually grew less afraid after the Rectification Campaign,” Mao continued: “Is there another kind of fear—the fear of proletarian teachers, the fear of Marx? Marx seems to live on a very high floor, almost unreachable. One would need a long ladder to climb up. Consequently, some say:
‘I have no hope in this life.’ But why be afraid? Marx has two eyes and two hands, just like us. The only difference is that his mind is filled with a vast amount of Marxist theory. However, those of us on the lower floors do not necessarily need to fear those upstairs. Reading a portion of the basic texts is sufficient. In fact, we have surpassed Marx. Everything Lenin said Marx did, we have done even better—for example, the theory of imperialism. Marx did not initiate the October Revolution; Lenin did. Marx did not envision a revolution on the scale of ours; our practical actions have exceeded his predictions. Practical revolutions require sound reasoning. Marx’s revolution failed to take root, whereas ours succeeded. This revolutionary practice is reflected in our ideology as theory. We can and should strive to elevate our theoretical level.”
[3]
Continuing his remarks on how comrades should avoid self-deprecation and belittling themselves, Mao discussed perspectives on celestial bodies, deities, and foreigners.
He stated:
“We have been oppressed by imperialism for over a century. To foreigners, we seem incapable; even Confucius would deem us so. What logic is behind this? I once asked those around me:
‘Do we reside in the heavens or beneath the earth?’ They shook their heads, affirming that we are on the ground. I countered, ‘No, we are in the heavens. If beings from other planets exist, wouldn’t they see us as inhabitants of the sky as well?’ Thus, I argued that we are simultaneously on the ground and in the heavens.
Chinese people
have a fondness for deities. I also inquired whether we qualify as deities. They replied that we do not. I insisted, ‘That’s incorrect. We dwell in the “heavens”—why shouldn’t we be considered “deities”? After all, if people from other planets were to visit, wouldn’t they regard us as divine beings?’ Furthermore, Chinese people are not classified as “foreigners”; only those designated by Western standards fall into that category. Yet, we are labeled “foreigners” in the eyes of others. I maintained that
this classification is flawed. By labeling us “foreigners,” we are, in effect, also perceived as “foreigners” by those outside our culture. There is a microorganism called bacteria. Though tiny, it possesses remarkable strength. It disregards superstition, operates with unwavering determination, prioritizing speed, efficiency, and excellence. It shows no fear of heaven or earth and relentlessly pursues its goals. It even preys on humans, regardless of size or health. Even an eighty-kilogram individual suffering from illness remains vulnerable to its attack. Isn’t this fearless spirit comparable to that of certain individuals?”
[4]
Gong Dingxi, also known as Gong Zizhen, was a literary figure and thinker of the Qing Dynasty. His writings advocated for “reform” and “change,” exposing the corruption of the Qing court while brimming with patriotic fervor.
His representative work, “Miscellaneous Poems Written in the Year of Yihai: The Nine Provinces Thrive on Wind and Thunder,” reads: “The nine provinces thrive on wind and thunder; the sight of ten thousand horses neighing in unison is pitiable. I urge Heaven to shake off its slumber and descend without constraint, bestowing talent upon the land.”
[5]
Gan Luo, at the age of twelve, served as an official in the household of Qin Chancellor Lü Buwei.
When Lü planned to invade Zhao in order to expand the territory granted to him by the state of Yan, Gan volunteered to travel to Zhao and persuade the king to cede five cities to Qin.
For his achievement, he was appointed to a high-ranking position.
Jia Yi,
a political theorist and writer of the Western Han Dynasty, demonstrated exceptional talent in reciting classical texts and composing eloquent prose at the age of eighteen.
He gained widespread recognition and frequently submitted memorials criticizing current affairs, authoring works such as “Ode to the Peng Bird” and “On the Fall of Qin.” Liu and Xiang refer to Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, leaders of the peasant uprising at the end of the Qin Dynasty. Following Qin’s collapse, a conflict erupted between Chu and Han, ultimately resulting in Liu Bang’s victory over Xiang Yu and the establishment of the Han Dynasty. Han Xin was a key military commander under Liu Bang. His story of enduring humiliation during his youth is widely known. Sakyamuni, according to tradition, founded Buddhism at the age of twenty-nine. Yan Hui, a disciple of Confucius, was praised by his master for “never venting anger or repeating mistakes,” though he died young. Hong Niang,
a character in the Yuan dynasty zaju play “The Romance of the Western Chamber,” serves as Cui Yingying’s maid. She is intelligent, courageous, and passionately facilitates the union between Yingying and Zhang Sheng. Gou Guanniang,
a woman from the Jin Dynasty, was trained in martial arts from a young age. When her father, the governor of Jingzhou, was besieged by rebels in Wan County (present-day Nanyang, Henan), thirteen-year-old Gou bravely requested reinforcements. That night, dozens of soldiers launched a daring breakout, successfully rescuing her family and forcing the enemy to retreat.
The “Young General in White Armor” refers to Luo Cheng, who, according to legend, began leading a peasant uprising at the age of fourteen during the late Sui Dynasty before eventually surrendering to the Tang forces. In later theatrical performances, actors portraying him invariably wear white armor. Yue Fei, a renowned general of the Southern Song Dynasty, was unjustly accused of treason by Emperor Gaozong and executed at the age of thirty-eight. Wang Bo, a Tang Dynasty poet, displayed exceptional talent from a young age and authored the “Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng.” Li He, another Tang poet, excelled in poetry from an early age and passed away at the age of twenty-seven. Li Shimin led troops to fight against the Sui Dynasty at the age of eighteen
and ascended the throne at twenty-six, becoming Emperor Taizong of Tang. Luo Shixin was a general in the early Tang period who participated in peasant uprisings with great bravery and later surrendered to the Tang. Du Fuwei, also a Tang general, joined a peasant uprising at the end of the Sui Dynasty and subsequently surrendered to the Tang. Zhou Yu, a famous general of the Wu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms era, led a decisive battle against the Wei forces at Chibi at the age of thirty-three. Zhuge Liang, a statesman and military strategist of the Shu Kingdom, advised Liu Bei at the age of twenty-six to seize the provinces of Jing and Yi, ally with Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao, and unify the nation—a strategy famously known as the “Longzhong Plan.” From then on, he became Liu Bei’s chief advisor. Sun Ce, the elder brother of Sun Quan, was a powerful warlord in eastern China who established the Sun clan’s rule in the region and died at the age of twenty-five. Wang Ke, a philosopher of the Wei Dynasty, gained fame at a young age for his works such as “Commentaries on the Book of Changes” and “Commentaries on Laozi,” passing away at the age of twenty-four. Darwin,
a British naturalist, embarked on a five-year round-the-world voyage starting at the age of twenty-two, later proposing the theory of biological evolution. Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao, Chinese-American scientists,
were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957—Yang at thirty-five and Li at thirty-one. Hao Jianxiu, a national labor model,
created an advanced method for cotton spinning in 1951 at the age of sixteen. Nie Er, a renowned Chinese composer, wrote the “March of the Volunteers” at the age of twenty-three, which was officially designated as the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on September 27, 1949. Which ton, a character in “Journey to the West” and “Investiture of the Gods,” resembles a young boy with extraordinary powers. King of Lanling,
refers to Gao Changgong, the King of Lanling from the Northern Qi dynasty. Legend has it that he was both brave and handsome,
yet doubted his ability to intimidate enemies and often wore a mask into battle. In his speech, Mao cited these examples to illustrate that young people should triumph over the elderly, and those with less formal education can overcome the highly educated.
We must dare to think, dare to speak, and dare to act—avoiding timidity in thought, speech, and action.
[6]
Jia Gui, a character in the play “The Temple of Heavenly Virtue,”
is a high-ranking eunuch serving under Liu Jin, a powerful official during the Ming Dynasty. Before Liu Jin, he would fawn and grovel, allowing others to sit while he stood.
[7]
Mao said: We should learn from Lenin and boldly raise red flags—more red flags, the better. We should also dare to innovate. Innovation comes in two forms:
one is commendable,
the other is undesirable.
Lenin innovated for the Second International,
while simultaneously raising red flags—a move that was entirely appropriate. Flags should be raised horizontally or vertically; if you fail to do so, the bourgeoisie will raise white flags instead. We must remove any white flags raised by the bourgeoisie.
[8]
Materials from the First Ministry of Machine Building refer to forty-one biographical sketches of scientific inventors compiled by that ministry. Mao noted in his speech that these materials demonstrate that many inventors came from humble backgrounds—such as Watt, who was a worker—and numerous farmers and petty intellectuals. Compiling such biographies is immensely helpful, enabling workers, farmers, petty intellectuals, and both veteran and new cadres to dispel superstitions and overcome feelings of inferiority. Departments related to agriculture, forestry, water resources, public health, politics and law, and education can all benefit from producing similar materials.
[9]
Liu Zhiji, a historian of the Tang Dynasty, authored “Shitong,” China’s first specialized book on historical criticism. He argued that historians must possess three qualities: historical talent, historical knowledge, and historical insight, with historical insight being particularly crucial. Mao mentioned in his speech that there was a historian named Liu Zhiji during the Tang Dynasty who insisted that anyone writing history must meet three criteria: talent, learning, and insight. Specifically, he emphasized the importance of being able to discern the direction of the wind. I would like to especially remind everyone that
we must cultivate the ability to recognize wind direction, as this skill is extremely important. Even if one possesses talent and education, without the capacity to interpret wind patterns, one will remain rather dull-witted.
[10]
Li Feng,
who once served as the First Secretary of the CPC Shandong Huimin Prefectural Committee,
was identified as having committed
“errors of an anti-Party nature” during the Rectification Campaign in 1958,
resulting in his removal from office and a two-year probationary period within the Party.
In January 1980, the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee re-examined his case and decided to exonerate him. Li Shinong,
who had served as a secretary in the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee,
was labeled a rightist in 1957 and expelled from the Party.
However, in July 1962, the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee took a more lenient approach,
reporting the matter to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for approval and ultimately revoking the decision to expel Li Shinong, restoring his Party membership, reputation, position, and rank. Sha Wenhan,
a member of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Standing Committee,
was branded a rightist in 1957.
In April 1981, the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee reviewed his case and decided to correct the mistake. Gu Dacun,
who had previously served as a secretary in the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee,
was removed from his post during the Rectification Campaign in 1957 for allegedly engaging in “localist activities.”
In January 1982, the CPC Guangdong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection re-examined his case and decided to exonerate him. Chen Zaili,
who had served as a member of the CPC Guangxi Provincial Standing Committee,
was labeled a rightist in 1957.
In January 1979, the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee reviewed his case and decided to correct the error. Saifulayev, who had served as a secretary in the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Committee,
was removed from his post during the Rectification Campaign in 1958 due to local nationalist sentiments.
In July 1979, the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Committee decided to restore his Party membership and organizational life, subsequently appointing him Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Political Consultative Conference and Deputy Director of the Regional People’s Congress Standing Committee. Sun Diancai, who had served as a member of the CPC Gansu Provincial Standing Committee,
was labeled both a rightist and a localist in 1957 and expelled from the Party.
In September 1963, the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee re-examined his case and changed the punishment to a Party warning.
In August 1982, the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee conducted another review and, with approval from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, decided to fully rehabilitate him. Sun Zuobin, who had served as a secretary in the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee,
was labeled a rightist in 1958.
In May 1978, the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee reviewed his case and, with approval from the Central authorities, decided to correct the mistake. Pan Fusheng,
who had served as the First Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee,
was found guilty of “right-leaning opportunism” during the Rectification Campaign in 1958 and removed from his post.
In May 1962, the CPC Henan Provincial Committee re-examined his case and, with approval from the Central authorities, decided to reinstate him.
[11]
“Zhuangzi·To Joy”:
“After Zhuangzi’s wife passed away,
Hui Zi came to offer condolences, but Zhuangzi sat cross-legged beside a drum, singing merrily.”
[12]
From August 17 to 30, 1958,
the CPC Central Politburo held an enlarged meeting in Beidaihe. Attendees included members and alternate members of the Politburo, as well as first secretaries of provincial, municipal, and autonomous regional Party committees, along with heads of various government departments.
[13]
Hua Luogeng, a Chinese mathematician,
served as director of the Institute of Mathematics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences at the time. Tsiolkovsky, a Soviet scientist, was among the first to propose theories of rocket flight and space exploration. Neither of them had ever attended university;
they were self-taught geniuses.

On May 5, 1958, the Second Session of the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of China convened in Beijing. At Mao Zedong’s proposal, the congress adopted the general guideline of “mobilizing all efforts, striving for progress, and building socialism rapidly, economically, and efficiently.” Pictured are Mao Zedong and others on the congress’s rostrum.
In May 1958,
the Second Session of the Eighth National Congress also affirmed the ongoing “Great Leap Forward,” recognizing it as marking a great period in which “one day equals twenty years” for our country. Pictured is the congress venue.