Comments on the Formulation of the Three Styles [1] (May 8, 1960)Return to Comrade Tan Zheng.
The three sentences from 1939 are preferable; it would be more appropriate to replace the word “struggle” with “simplicity.”Mao ZedongMay 8Based on the manuscript.Printed.Notes[1] These comments were written on a report submitted on May 6, 1960, by Tan Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission and Director of the General Political Department of the People’s Liberation Army, to Lin Biao, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, with a copy to Mao Zedong.
In his report, Tan Zheng stated that they planned to widely publicize the three sayings concerning work style from the days of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University.
However, the currently circulating formulations were not entirely consistent: one was the inscription penned by Chairman Mao at the founding of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University Alumni Association in 1938—“An unwavering political orientation, a work style of arduous struggle, and flexible, mobile strategic tactics”; the other was the formulation found in Chairman Mao’s article marking the third anniversary of the university in 1939—“A firm and correct political orientation, a work style of arduous struggle, and flexible, mobile strategic tactics.”
As the wording differed between the two versions, he sought instructions as to which should be adopted for uniformity.
Mao endorsed the 1939 formulation but suggested revising the phrase “a work style of arduous struggle” to “a work style of arduous simplicity.”1£·