The main issue is twofold: egalitarianism. One pertains to equality within the production brigade (formerly the production team), between the various production teams (formerly the production subteams) and among the teams themselves; the other concerns egalitarianism among commune members within each production team. These two problems are very serious. Unless they are thoroughly resolved, it will be impossible to genuinely and fully mobilize the masses’ enthusiasm.

The people’s communes are federations of production brigades.

Neither the communes nor the production brigades should engage in arbitrary commandism, nor should the county, prefecture, province, or central authorities do so.

We must not manage agriculture by the methods used in industry, nor manage industry by the methods used in agriculture.

(March 23)

Over the past few years, most of the problems that have arisen have essentially stemmed from a lack of clear understanding, unclear conditions, incorrect policies, insufficient resolve, and inappropriate approaches. In recent years, we have suffered greatly due to inadequate grasp of the situation, at a high cost.

It is essential to conduct systematic investigative research, tracing developments from the past to the present. The first secretaries at the provincial, prefectural, county, and commune levels must all personally take charge. Without thorough investigation, no work can be done properly. The first secretary’s personal involvement in such investigations is particularly important, as it can profoundly influence the overall situation. Henceforth, we must divest ourselves of some routine administrative tasks and delegate them to others. We should certainly review reports, but we must not be content merely to read them. What matters most is to carry out firsthand, focused case studies; cursory inspections serve only as supplementary methods.

Merely having principles and general guidelines without concrete policies cannot solve practical problems. And without investigative research, it is impossible to formulate sound, specific policies.

In conducting investigative research, we must avoid preconceived notions, self-righteousness, and an overbearing, patronizing attitude. We must never act like imperial commissioners. Instead, our approach should be one of open discussion, comradeship, and consultation.

We should not fear hearing dissenting views. If our original judgments and decisions are found, upon practical testing, to be erroneous, we should not hesitate to overturn them.