Those working in the newspaper industry, those serving as journalists, must analyze the problems they encounter and adopt a correct perspective and attitude.


Contradictions have both positive and negative aspects.


When examining any issue, one must consider all its facets.


Mass movements have a mainstream as well as various tributaries.


When going to the grassroots level, journalists should maintain a dialectical viewpoint toward both the achievements and shortcomings of such movements, avoiding absolute judgments about any single matter.


Do not accept good things at face value, nor focus solely on the negative side of bad ones.


Take the concealment of crop yields, for example. I feel some sympathy for those who resort to such practices.


Of course, failing to tell the truth is undesirable.


But why do people hide their output? There are many reasons, the primary one being the desire to have a bit more to eat—something that evokes a measure of compassion.


Apart from the dishonesty involved, there is little wrong with concealing production figures.


Even if yields are underreported, the grain itself remains intact.


While the mentality behind yield concealment deserves criticism, it does not pose a serious obstacle to increasing production.


Overreporting, however, is far more problematic and carries greater risks.


If one reports higher figures than actually exist, the promised amounts cannot be delivered.


Relying on inflated numbers to formulate production plans is perilous; using them for supply planning is even more so.


Journalists visiting local areas should not simply echo whatever they hear. They need a cool head and the ability to make comparisons.


Coercive orders are harmful.


That said, a certain degree of authoritative direction is necessary.


Yet when every matter is dictated through forceful commands, the result is counterproductive.


Some directives, such as resolutions passed by Party committees, must be followed without question.


A certain level of centralization is indispensable.


However, this centralization must be accompanied by democratic processes.


We should promote a democratic style of work and oppose coercive commandism.


Journalists must be adept at comparison.


During the Tang Dynasty, a prefect would first gather information about the parties involved in a legal dispute, as well as their social circles and surrounding circumstances, before hearing their arguments. This method was known as the “gou tui” approach—essentially comparing the case against its broader context.


Journalists should skillfully employ this technique.


One should avoid assuming that anything good is entirely good or that anything bad is wholly bad.


If someone claims something is entirely positive, ask: Is it really so? Conversely, if someone insists that something is entirely negative, inquire: Are there absolutely no benefits whatsoever? A journalist’s mind must remain calm and independent, refraining from mere conformity to others’ opinions.


This way of thinking should first take root among correspondents of Xinhua News Agency branches and reporters of People’s Daily, as well as editors based in Beijing.


Do not merely propagate whatever is said; thoughtful consideration is essential.


Journalists, especially senior ones, must possess clear and level-headed minds.


Printed according to the 1983 edition of Selected Works on Mao Zedong’s Journalism published by Xinhua Press.


Note [1]: These are key points from a conversation between Mao Zedong and Wu Lengxi, then President of Xinhua News Agency and Editor-in-Chief of People’s Daily.