On the Reprint of the Book *The Essentials of Logic* [1]
A Letter to Zhang Shizhao
(June 7, 1959)

Mr. Xingyan:

All the books have been received and read. Thank you very much! Seeking truth from facts, you have exerted great effort. Reading Jin’s work [2] deepened my reflections, and I wished to change my plan in a turnaround. To have such a state of mind in one’s declining years—I respectfully congratulate you. Since there are quite a few deletions and additions, a few explanatory lines would be appropriate. I shall borrow your approach and plan on your behalf:

The book *The Essentials of Logic* is an old work from 1917. In 1959, the Central Political Research Office of the Communist Party of China undertook the compilation of a logic series, and my humble work was among those solicited. Thereupon, over the course of a month, I personally undertook a collation. Since the original manuscript was not at hand, checking from memory proved quite laborious. In the entire manuscript, approximately one-twentieth was cut as untimely, and the additions were slightly more, all limited to illustrative examples from ancient texts, which may give the reader a little more interest. In recent years, the study of logic has aroused great interest in academic circles. Debates have flourished over the scope of logic and its relationship with materialist dialectics—a most splendid affair. I myself have been unable to join the fray, yet I am not without interest. The reprint of an old work—I dare not say it will benefit the contending schools of today. Yet, as one piece of reference material, it might even prompt readers to criticize my humble work, defend correct viewpoints, point out fallacious passages, and lead to an ever-clearer understanding of the truth. For this, I could not pray and wish for more fervently!

June [day missing], 1959
Zhang Shizhao

In this way, I see great benefit. What is your esteemed opinion? If you, sir, are not pleased to handle it this way, my suggestion shall be withdrawn.

I suffered from a cold for a month and had not yet replied to your previous letter, for which I was just feeling apologetic. Suddenly receiving your letter of the 6th, I am extremely pleased. Replying while leaning on my pillow, I respectfully wish you
health in your teaching.

Mao Zedong
1959, (6th) month, 7th day, 8:00 a.m.

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On the Reprint of the Book *The Essentials of Logic*
A Letter to Zhang Shizhao

A manuscript of Mao Zedong’s letter to Zhang Shizhao.

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[1] *The Essentials of Logic* is an old work by Zhang Shizhao from 1917, published in Chongqing in 1943. After the founding of New China, it was revised and published by Sanlian Bookstore in 1961. In May 1959, Zhang Shizhao wrote a preface for the reprint of this book (later not used), in which he spoke of the origin of the reprint: “After the liberation of Beijing, one day Chairman Mao suddenly inquired: ‘I hear you have written a work on logic. May I have a look?’ I hesitated and replied: ‘This book was printed in Chongqing and is connected with the rebel party. For me to present it for your perusal would be an insult to you, sir. How could it be permissible?’ The Chairman laughed and said: ‘This is a matter of scholarship. What harm is there!’” Later, after Mao Zedong finished reading *The Essentials of Logic*, he again said to Zhang Shizhao: “In my opinion, this can serve as reference material today and ought to be printed.” Zhang Shizhao, courtesy name Xingyan, was then a Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

[2] Probably refers to the article “A Self-Critique of My Old Work *Logic*” written by Jin Yuelin, published in *Philosophical Research*, Issue No. 5, 1959. Jin Yuelin’s book *Logic* was also included in the *Logic Series*, published by Sanlian Bookstore in 1961, and this article was included in the book.