Comments and Annotations on “A Philosophical Theory Defending the ‘Middle Position’”〔1〕 (June 27, 1958) I—Immediately forwarded to Comrades Liu, Deng, Peng Zhen, Ding Yi, Kang Sheng, Bo Da, Qiao Mu, Hu Sheng, and Tian Jiaying〔2〕 for their review; return to Jiang Qing. Mao Zedong, June 27. Printed from the manuscript.

II A Philosophical Theory Defending the ‘Middle Position’ The following is a self-criticism document submitted by × × ×, an associate researcher at the Railway Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Railways: I believe that: (1) All things in the world objectively possess duality and contradiction. Where there are two poles, there must be a middle ground. For example: top–middle–bottom, left–middle–right, front–middle–back, thin–middle–thick. The middle represents the balance of contradictions and the unity of duality. × × × (2) Extremes are always rare; most things exist in a middle state. Therefore, what is universal, common, real, and true lies with the majority—in other words, with the middle. The two extremes, by contrast, are exceptional, one-sided, superficial, and unrepresentative. A (3) Even between the extremes there is a middle. The middle path I follow is the middle of the middle—a position that is most objective, most prudent, most comprehensive, and most dialectical.

Based on these views, I divide the middle path into three parts: First, the middle course in conduct and interpersonal relations: I affirm that I am an ordinary person and place myself among the masses, neither standing out nor isolating myself. In terms of social class, I regard joy, love, hatred, and aversion as shared by all, treating everyone equally. I approach disputes with fairness and impartiality, practicing the principle of “do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you,” seeking harmony and goodwill. When others treat me well, I reciprocate; maintaining such mutual amicability is far more conducive to peace and stability than engaging in contention or competition. Extreme individualism leads to conflict. Second, the middle course in work style: I neither strive to be at the very top nor sink to the bottom, but remain in the middle. I seek neither great achievements nor blameless performance; for where there are achievements, it is difficult to avoid highlighting one’s own merits while inadvertently exploiting the labor of others. Achievements inevitably carry an element of individualism and often involve ambitions for fame and gain. Nor is it desirable to make mistakes; one must reflect upon them. Third, on the political front: 1. In study, I neither take the lead nor fall behind. At group meetings, I neither speak first nor remain silent. If others participate enthusiastically, I join in with equal enthusiasm; if they delve deeply into their studies, so do I, keeping pace with them. 2. During various campaigns, I neither take the lead nor lag behind, placing myself among the masses—not ahead, not behind. As the movement advances, I advance along with it. Regarding the issue of favoring the past over the present and the West over China, I adopt a balanced stance: whatever deserves emphasis should be emphasized, and whatever requires restraint should be restrained. The past has its merits, as does the present; China has its strengths, as does the West. Likewise, both the past and the present, China and the West, contain shortcomings. We should judge each according to its own merits and demerits, avoiding subjective bias and refusing to allow the particular to be taken as representative of the whole. 4. On criticism and self-criticism: When criticism and self-criticism assume an extreme idealist character and have not yet been fully aired, I refrain from criticizing others or engaging in self-criticism. Once the discussion has opened and everyone has begun to criticize one another, I too offer my criticisms and encourage others to engage in self-criticism. Such radical positions are reactionary. In sum, following the majority is to walk the middle path, which can also serve as a guise for entering socialism. Since the majority has already entered socialism, and since I position myself among them, it follows that I too have entered socialism. The advantages of the middle path are: 1. It avoids arousing envy and jealousy; 2. It prevents people from fearing or hating you; 3. It keeps you from being respected yet kept at a distance; 4. It spares you the suspicion that comes with being highly regarded. Thus, one can live contentedly in the present, striving for honor when possible and retreating to avoid disgrace, thereby achieving a good beginning and a good end. Such individuals constitute a reserve force for the right wing, and the more numerous they become, the more firmly the right wing will establish its dominance.

Printed here from the original document preserved in the Central Archives. Notes

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〔1〕 “A Philosophical Theory Defending the ‘Middle Position’” appeared in Issue No. of “Propaganda and Education Bulletin,” compiled and published by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee on June 24, 1958. Mao Zedong wrote a commentary on this article, namely Section (I) above, and inscribed seven annotations in the margins of this material. We have printed Mao’s annotations alongside the original text, with Song typeface used for his writing and symbols such as horizontal lines, double lines, wavy lines, triangles, and crosses indicating his marginal notes.


〔2〕 Liu refers to Liu Shaoqi. Deng refers to Deng Xiaoping, who at the time served as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Peng Zhen was then a Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee. Ding Yi was Lu Dingyi, who at the time headed the CPC Central Cultural and Educational Leading Group and also served as Minister of Propaganda. Kang Sheng was a Deputy Head of the CPC Central Cultural and Educational Leading Group. Bo Da was Chen Boda, Director of the CPC Central Political Research Office. Qiao Mu was Hu Qiaomu, Alternate Secretary of the CPC Central Secretariat. Hu Sheng was Deputy Director of the CPC Central Political Research Office. Tian Jiaying was also a Deputy Director of the CPC Central Political Research Office.