Li Jie: Strengthen Systematic Research and Deepen Theoretical Interpretation

In order to thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches and the Central Committee’s requirements for actively cultivating and practicing socialist core values ^[1], the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee’s Publicity Department mobilized social science research forces from across the province. It organized over 160 experts to approach the task from the perspective of strengthening the theoretical interpretation of socialist values and firmly grasping the power of discourse ^[2] and interpretation over values. Taking the lead in conducting comprehensive research and systematic interpretation of the connotations and significance of the twelve thematic terms of the socialist core values, they have completed the 14-volume, approximately 4.3-million-character Socialist Core Values Research Series, which was published recently. This is currently the first domestic series of research works to comprehensively study and interpret the specific categories of socialist core values. The series possesses the following characteristics:

First, it systematically researches the ancient implications, hereditary evolution, temporal characteristics, and contemporary worth of the important categories of values, identifying several key categories through the dual dimensions of the unity of theory and practice, and the unity of history and logic. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that every era has its own spirit, and every era has its own value concepts. The core values of a nation or a country must be compatible with its history and culture, integrated with the struggles being carried out by its people, and adapted to the temporal problems that the nation or country needs to resolve. Socialist core values are the value concepts of contemporary China and of socialism with Chinese characteristics. They inherit the fine traditional culture of the Chinese nation, are rooted in the successful practice of reform and opening up, embody the unique advantages of the path, theoretical system, and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and represent the forward direction of China’s advanced culture. Based on this historical background and the themes of the era, the series conducts systematic research and scholarly analysis of socialist core values from the perspective of combining theory and practice, putting forward several new viewpoints, judgments, and reflections.

Second, it integrates the three levels of the state, society, and the individual, highlighting the integrity of the "Three Advocacies" ^[3] and striving to clarify the status and interconnectedness of each category within the entire system of core values. The "Three Advocacies" proposed by the Party Central Committee constitute an organically unified whole. The core values at these three levels are both relatively independent and mutually connected and integrated, working together to provide navigation and orientation for the development of the state, society, and individuals. Each volume of the series emphasizes deep research and interpretation of the process and laws of cultivating and practicing core values from a holistic perspective. They scientifically and thoroughly analyze the rich connotations, temporal characteristics, and implementation strategies of each value category, while also deeply expounding on the position of each category within the overall core value system and its dialectical connection with other values. This ensures that while each volume stands as an independent book, an organic link is maintained between their contents. Combining general and specific approaches, with unity and division working in tandem, the series systematically investigates the questions of what our values are, why we hold them, and how we should act upon them, reflecting the authors’ clear political stance and profound theoretical cultivation.

Third, it closely follows the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches and closely integrates with the reality of building socialism with Chinese characteristics to propose targeted countermeasures and suggestions. Since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently placed the construction of socialist core values in an extremely important position, providing important and profound expositions and clear requirements on many occasions. These important discourses have pointed out the direction for effort and provided the basic guidance for the entire Party and society to cultivate and practice socialist core values. In this regard, each volume of the series strictly follows the basic Marxist stance, viewpoints, and methods, closely aligns with the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches, and tightly integrates with the reality of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. Centering on the goal of realizing the Chinese Dream ^[4] of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the basic content of the "Three Advocacies," and proceeding from the standpoint of "upholding our value system and upholding our core values," the series conducts in-depth research into the practical problems of socialist core values. It decodes their rich connotations and practical requirements, striving to explain them clearly and thoroughly at the theoretical level, while accurately identifying problems and solutions on the practical path. It provides specific, feasible countermeasures and suggestions to ensure that core values truly manifest in thought, action, and results.

In short, the publication of this series amid the high tide of coordinately advancing the Four Comprehensives is most timely. It will provide beneficial academic accumulation and theoretical preparation for the further research and refinement of socialist core values. It will also provide an important theoretical basis and practical strategies for enhancing ideological and behavioral consciousness in the construction of socialist core values. It is worthy of recommendation to the broad masses of theoretical workers, publicity workers, as well as Party members, cadres, and the public.