Those working in the newspaper industry, especially journalists, must adopt a correct understanding and attitude toward the issue of the illusory versus the real.

Contradictions have both positive and negative aspects. When examining any problem, one must consider all its facets. Mass movements have a mainstream current as well as minor streams. When going to the grassroots level, we should maintain a dialectical perspective on both the achievements and shortcomings of such movements, avoiding absolutization of any single issue. We should neither blindly accept all that is good nor focus solely on the negative side of what is bad. Take the practice of concealing grain yields, for example. I feel some sympathy for it. Of course, lying is undesirable. But why do people conceal their output? There are many reasons, the most fundamental being the desire to eat more. For years they have been underfed; food was scarce, so they sought to secure an extra portion—this is understandable and worthy of compassion. Apart from the dishonesty involved, there is little wrong with concealing yields. After all, the grain remains where it is. While the mentality behind such concealment deserves criticism, it does not seriously impede production.

By contrast, false reporting is harmful. Overstating figures can lead to shortages when those numbers cannot be met. Relying on inflated data to formulate production plans is risky, and even more so when it comes to supply planning. Why do people engage in false reporting? Certainly, the conduct of cadres plays a role, but it also reflects a preference among certain individuals for exaggerated claims. If someone reports an excess of ten thousand jin and you point out that this is not factual, they may stop overreporting. However, if you suggest that their figure is still too low, they will likely report even higher numbers.

Is tension beneficial? Without tension, there can be no Great Leap Forward; leaps forward inevitably involve strain, and this tension has its advantages.

When I wrote “An Investigation of the Peasant Movement in Hunan,” the situation in Hunan at the time was characterized by the immense authority of the peasant associations: whatever they said, landlords and rich peasants had no choice but to comply. Those who dared to speak out against them found themselves isolated. This atmosphere signaled a revolutionary upsurge. Today, a similar dynamic exists in the countryside: everyone talks about high morale and rapid progress, and no one dares to voice dissent. This is positive; it would be wrong to dismiss it as negative. On the other hand, we should also recognize that fewer people are offering constructive criticism, which is problematic. Some tasks are clearly unattainable, and certain practices are plainly inappropriate, yet people remain silent rather than voicing concerns. This is undesirable. It is perfectly acceptable for everyone to muster great energy and work tirelessly for days and nights on end. However, when such efforts result in widespread illness or even death, the situation becomes unacceptable. Therefore, we must view tension from multiple angles and make appropriate adjustments.

Journalists visiting the grassroots should not simply echo whatever they hear. They need a sober mind and the ability to compare different accounts.

Coercive orders are undesirable. Why are they sometimes necessary? A degree of compulsion is indeed required. Yet if every matter is dictated through forceful commands, the outcome is detrimental. Certain directives, such as resolutions passed by Party committees, must be carried out without fail. Centralized decision-making is essential, but it should be accompanied by democratic processes. We should promote a democratic style of work and oppose coercive methods. Within reasonable limits, limited use of “compulsory orders” is not objectionable; what we must reject is commandism.

Journalists must excel at comparison. In the Tang Dynasty, a prefect would begin legal proceedings not by hearing the plaintiff and defendant directly, but by first gathering information about the defendant’s social circle and surrounding circumstances, before finally interviewing the parties involved. This method, known as “goutui,” involves comparing the case with its broader context. Journalists should learn to employ this approach: do not assume that something is entirely good just because it appears favorable, nor that it is wholly bad simply because it seems flawed. If someone insists that everything is perfect, ask whether that assessment holds true across the board. Conversely, if someone claims that everything is terrible, inquire whether there might be even a single redeeming aspect.

Currently, the entire country is in a state of feverish activity—the Great Leap Forward is underway. The achievements are substantial, but tempers have grown somewhat heated.

Journalists, above all, must keep a cool head. They should think independently and avoid mere conformity. This mindset should first take root among correspondents of Xinhua News Agency branches and editors in Beijing: do not simply propagate whatever others say without careful consideration. Journalists, particularly senior ones, must maintain clarity and composure.