(Instructions on Establishing Independent Local Industrial Systems)

Localities should find ways to build independent industrial systems. First within cooperative zones, and then in many provinces—wherever conditions permit—they should all establish relatively independent yet distinct industrial systems. What do you think about this?

With grain and steel, everything else will fall into place. (Instruction during an inspection of Tianjin University)

(At Tianjin University, President Zhang ×× reported to the Chairman on the school’s situation, noting that 98 percent of the students were already engaged in work-study programs. For the next semester, they planned to introduce several part-time, work-and-study classes.)

The Chairman said: “This is excellent. If one merely studies from textbooks without putting knowledge into practice—even without so much as seeing the actual processes—then when it comes time to apply that knowledge, no useful products can be produced. By engaging in work-study or part-time, work-and-study programs, students acquire both academic learning and practical skills; they become true laborers. In Changge County, Henan Province, certain secondary schools have done a particularly good job with work-study, resulting in rapid student progress and high rates of successful advancement to higher education. Other schools that have not adopted work-study, however, fare poorly; students fail to truly absorb the material, and their thinking becomes stunted. Not only should students participate in work-study, but teachers should as well. Government officials ought also to establish small auxiliary factories; otherwise, their discourse remains purely theoretical and divorced from reality.”

The Chairman turned to Comrade Wang Yuanzhi and asked: “Are secondary schools in Tianjin currently conducting work-study programs?” (Wang Yuanzhi replied: “Nearly one hundred secondary schools in Tianjin have already launched work-study initiatives, and more than sixty have set up factories or production workshops.”)

The Chairman remarked: “Very good! Schools are factories, and factories are schools; agricultural cooperatives are likewise educational institutions. We must run them well.”

Chairman Mao stated: “In the future, schools should run factories, and factories should serve as schools. Teachers must also take part in manual labor; they cannot simply talk without ever getting their hands dirty.”

(Chairman Mao expressed great interest in Tianjin University’s ability to establish numerous factories within a short period.)

Chairman Mao continued: “Some educators need to make progress too. The current circumstances are compelling them to do so—what is required is for them to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Teachers over fifty may refrain from direct manual labor, but younger and middle-aged instructors should all participate. Even those engaged in scientific research ought to engage in practical work; it is undesirable to remain entirely detached from hands-on activity throughout one’s entire career.”

(President Zhang ×× further reported: “At present, our students are highly motivated to carry out technological innovation. Some, in order to present a gift to National Day, have been working around the clock in intensive bursts, and even attempts to persuade them to slow down have proved ineffective.”)

The Chairman responded with concern: “Could such nonstop work be wearing people down? It would be better to emphasize rhythmic production, balanced rest, and a disciplined work schedule.”

Chairman Mao also instructed:

“Higher education institutions should focus on three key principles:

First, leadership by the Party committees;

Second, the mass line;

Third, the integration of education with productive labor.”