There will always be difficulties; we must not shy away from them. Revolution, in a sense, is itself a kind of trouble. Engaging in economic development is also fraught with challenges. If we fear trouble, nothing can ever be accomplished; but if we do not fear it, even the most daunting tasks can be brought to fruition. … Intellectuals must be able to unite with the vast majority of the people. When we try to do so, difficulties are bound to arise: you want to join forces with them, yet they may resist—such resistance can be very troublesome! Some are willing to listen, while others are not; these are the kinds of problems that come up. We must not be afraid of these difficulties. The key lies in standing side by side with the masses through protracted struggle. In time, the masses will come to understand you, place their trust in you, and rally under the leadership of those who genuinely serve the people’s interests. The working people greatly need intellectuals who dedicate themselves to serving them; however, they are neither pleased nor inclined toward those who fail to do so.

If you regard yourself as superior to them and look down upon them, they will not like it. What they prefer are individuals who treat them as equals—approaching them with an equal footing, joining them in labor, gaining a deep understanding of their thoughts and aspirations, working to advance their interests, and possessing the knowledge to do so. It is precisely such people whom they admire.