The Mao Zedong Thought Research Office Conducts Field Research at the Shaoshan Base in Hunan
To further deepen the study and research of Mao Zedong Thought, reinforce understanding of Comrade Mao Zedong’s life achievements, thought, and character, and promote the disciplinary construction of Mao Zedong Thought as well as the normalization and long-term efficacy [1] of Party history study and education, a research group visited the Shaoshan National Conditions Research Base of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Institute of Marxism Studies from August 1 to 3. Following their participation in the "Fourth Seminar on the Works and Editions of Mao Zedong" held from July 29 to 31, the group—led by Professor Zhu Jidong, Director of the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, and including researchers Yu Xiaolei and Fang Tao—conducted their field investigation.
On August 1, members of the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office paid their respects [2] at the Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong.
After conducting research at the Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong, the Comrade Mao Zedong Memorial Museum in Shaoshan, the Mao Zedong Library in Shaoshan, the Comrade Liu少奇 (Liú Shàoqí) Memorial Museum [3], and the Former Residence of Comrade 陈赓 (Chén Gēng) [4], the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office and the Comrade Mao Zedong Memorial Museum jointly held a promotion meeting for the construction of the National Conditions Research Base. During the symposium, participants exchanged views on how to better utilize the resource advantages of the Comrade Mao Zedong Memorial Museum and the entire Shaoshan Administration Bureau regarding Comrade Mao Zedong’s life and thought. They also discussed how to better leverage the academic and theoretical advantages and leading role of the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office and the entire Institute of Marxism Studies. The goal is to play a more significant role in the study, research, and promotion of Mao Zedong Thought and in advancing Party history study and education. In particular, the two sides held in-depth discussions on how to better utilize their respective strengths to deepen cooperation, aiming to collectively elevate the study, research, and promotion of Mao Zedong Thought in the New Era to a new level. Yang Guoli, Curator of the Comrade Mao Zedong Memorial Museum, Deputy Curators Long Jianyu and Li Li, and heads of relevant departments and staff members attended the symposium.
On August 2, the Mao Zedong Thought Research Office and the Comrade Mao Zedong Memorial Museum jointly held the promotion meeting for the research base.
Through this investigation, the researchers further deepened their understanding of Comrade Mao Zedong's growth during his youth and the developmental process of Mao Zedong Thought. They experienced firsthand the great power of truth within Mao Zedong Thought and further realized its profound significance as the "first historic leap" [5] in the Sinicization of Marxism. They recognized its vital guiding role in securing victory in the New Democratic Revolution [6], completing the socialist revolution, and advancing socialist construction. Furthermore, they gained a deeper understanding of the extreme importance of excavating "red resources" [7] for the Party's theoretical and ideological education (党性教育) [8]. The visit further strengthened their ideals, convictions, and purpose [9], laying a solid foundation for further deepening research on Mao Zedong Thought, strengthening disciplinary construction, and particularly deepening research into the history of the development of Mao Zedong Thought.
(Contributed by Fang Tao)