Mei Rongzheng: Mastering Marxism as a Core Competency

Since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that leading officials must treat Marxist theory as a compulsory course and treat the study and mastery of Marxism as a "look-at-the-house" skill ^[1] for Communists. The so-called "compulsory course" refers to a curriculum that must be studied and cannot be waived. The so-called "skill" refers to a craft or ability; a "look-at-the-house skill" is the dominant skill among various abilities, one that determines and influences the formation and exercise of other skills. The extreme importance of the "look-at-the-house skill" lies in the fact that the success or failure of all work—given established objective conditions—depends upon this subjective condition. Xi Jinping has not only repeatedly issued such requirements but has also personally presided over meetings of the Central Committee Political Bureau to take the lead in studying the basic principles of Marxism, taking as the essence and living soul the adherence to these principles and the stance, viewpoint, and method that run through them. Regarding this issue, Xi Jinping spoke clearly during the fifth collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee: "Studying the basic theory of Marxism is a compulsory course for Communists. Since the 18th Party Congress, the collective study of the Political Bureau has taken Marxist theory as its theme many times, successively studying the basic principles and methodology of historical materialism, dialectical materialism, and Marxist political economy." Furthermore, in important speeches delivered at the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work, the Symposium on Literature and Art, the National Conference on Work of Party Schools, the Symposium on the Party's News and Public Opinion Work, the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences, the National Conference on Ideological and Political Work in Universities, the Symposium on Cybersecurity and Informatization, and the Symposium for Teachers of Ideological and Political Theory Lessons, Xi Jinping has raised requirements for the vast number of Party members and officials at all levels—especially leading officials—to study Marxism from multiple perspectives and levels, using continuously innovating discourse. These important expositions have "moistened the heart and opened the intellect" ^[2], stimulating the proactive initiative and historical creativity of the entire Party in studying and practicing Marxism and its inherent stance, viewpoint, and method. This has improved and optimized the Party’s style of study, enhancing the accurate judgment and grasp of the complex general situation and the scientific comprehension and implementation of strategies for governance by the vast number of Party members, especially leading officials. This article attempts to offer some preliminary understandings of this issue.

I. Xi Jinping’s Explicit Requirements Regarding the Study of Marxism

Xi Jinping’s important expositions on the study of Marxism are systematic and comprehensive, rich in connotation, clear in requirements, and specific in measures. Since this article cannot possibly cover everything ^[3], I will discuss only the following points.

First, universities and Party schools must treat Marxism as a compulsory course. Xi Jinping emphasized that Party schools, cadre academies, academies of social sciences, universities, and theoretical study center groups must all treat Marxism as a compulsory course and become important fronts for the study, research, and propagation of Marxism. Xi Jinping pointed out that leading officials, especially senior officials, must treat the systematic mastery of the basic theory of Marxism as their "look-at-the-house" skill. Systematic mastery of basic Marxist theory is not only the skill for doing all work well, but more importantly, it is the universal skill for achieving victory in work. Attainment in Marxist theory is a necessary quality for leading officials and the ideological foundation for maintaining political steadfastness. For an official "to be competent in leadership work, there are many skills they need to master. The most fundamental skill is theoretical attainment." Therefore, leading officials must improve their theoretical attainment. Xi Jinping places even higher expectations on new and young officials, requiring them to handle theoretical study well and, through unremitting study, learn to use the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method to observe and solve problems and to firm up their ideals and convictions. From the height of "strengthening the Party through theory," Xi Jinping reiterated an important thesis of Mao Zedong. In October 1938, in "The Role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National War," Mao Zedong made an incisive judgment with long-term influence on the development of the Party's cause, based on the intrinsic relationship between the historical mission undertaken by the Party and the mastery of Marxism-Leninism: "From the viewpoint of assuming primary leadership responsibility, if our Party has one hundred to two hundred (there were over 500,000 Party members at the end of 1938—Author's note) comrades who have learned Marxism-Leninism systematically rather than in fragments, and practically rather than emptily, it will greatly increase the fighting power of our Party." Xi Jinping further emphasized the major significance and irreplaceable role of Party officials mastering Marxist theory for the great cause led by the Party.

Second, we must uphold scientific Marxist principles and the scientific spirit. On April 23, 2018, in his speech at the fifth collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee, Xi Jinping particularly emphasized that for the Communist Manifesto, "the general principles expounded in it are, on the whole, as correct today as ever." He pointed out: "Although the Communist Manifesto was born 170 years ago, the basic principles it expounds are not out of date, nor will they ever be. I have said, 'If you feel unsettled in your heart, go and study the classic works; read the Communist Manifesto a few more times.' This is about 'gaining new insights by reviewing the old' ^[4]. Today, our re-visiting of the Communist Manifesto is to apply the scientific principles and spirit contained therein to the practice of presiding over the Great Struggle, Great Project, Great Cause, and Great Dream ^[5], and to continuously compose new chapters in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era." Xi Jinping emphatically stressed that today we must uphold the scientific principles and spirit in six aspects: unswervingly striving for the lofty ideal of Communism and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics; faithfully practicing the people-centered development philosophy; following the trend of world development to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity; strengthening Party building according to the requirements of the New Era; continuously opening up new frontiers for the Sinicization of Marxism; and strengthening the study and research of Marxist classic works.

On May 4, 2018, in his speech at the conference commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx, Xi Jinping again emphasized that from the publication of the Communist Manifesto to today, "the general principles expounded by Marxism remain, on the whole, completely correct." We must uphold and apply the worldviews and methodologies of dialectical materialism and historical materialism; uphold and apply the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method; uphold and apply Marxist principles regarding the materiality of the world and its developmental laws, the natural and historical nature of human social development and its related laws, the laws of human liberation and free and comprehensive development, and the essence and developmental laws of cognition; and uphold and apply the Marxist views on practice, the masses, class, development, and contradiction. Closely linking this to the new realities of the New Era, Xi Jinping emphasized that Chinese Communists must learn from Marx and learn and practice nine major areas of Marxist thought: the laws of human social development; upholding the people's stance; productive forces and relations of production; people's democracy; cultural construction; social construction; the relationship between man and nature; world history; and Marxist party building. These major judgments have provided the entire Party with powerful ideological and theoretical armament.

Third, we must "strengthen the study and research of Marxist classic works." Xi Jinping emphasized that Marxist classic works contain and centrally embody the basic principles of Marxism and are the origin and foundation of Marxist theory. These classics contain the rich ideological fruits of humanity's quest for truth absorbed by the classical authors and embody their unremitting pursuit and arduous journey in climbing the peaks of scientific theory. Reading classic works is itself a process of increasing knowledge, broadening horizons, increasing ideological depth, and training modes of thinking. It is a process of cultivating far-sighted strategic insight and a down-to-earth work style. It allows us to be subtly influenced by their noble character and the power of their personality, thereby achieving the sublimation of our own ideological realm and moral temperament. At the same time, only by seriously studying Marxist classic works and systematically mastering basic Marxist principles can we completely and accurately understand the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and creatively use the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method to analyze and solve the practical problems we face, continuously pushing forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

How should one study Marxist classic works? Xi Jinping has a series of incisive expositions: for example, one must "follow up the study" and "persist in studying to believe, studying to think, and studying to act"; one must "study deeply, persistently, and arduously, study with questions in mind, and study in connection with reality"; one must "persist in using study to guide practice and using practice to promote study, study the original texts, read thoroughly and think deeply, achieve deep understanding and thorough mastery, skillfully master the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method, and continuously improve Marxist theoretical attainment."

Xi Jinping has applied "creative transformation and innovative development" to Wang Guowei's "three realms of life" ^[6], using them to exhort leading officials to work hard at their studies, to understand Marxist theory deeply and thoroughly, and to achieve real gains. The first realm—"Last night the west wind withered the green trees; alone I climb the high tower, looking to the end of the road"—is a metaphor for the need to calm the mind for comprehensive and painstaking reading. The second realm—"My clothes grow loose, but I regret it not; for her I pine away and waste with care"—is a metaphor for the need to be persistent, diligent, and hardworking in research, willing to sacrifice and remain undaunted, putting in true, bitter, and meticulous effort. The third realm—"I searched for her a thousand times in the crowd; suddenly looking back, there she was in the flickering lamplight"—is a metaphor for the need to persist in independent thinking, integrating study with application, gaining insights through study, and achieving results through application. On the one hand, these concise and penetrating expositions explain that "the classic Marxist writers had broad horizons and rich knowledge; the system of Marxist theory and knowledge is vast and profound, involving all fields of nature, human society, and human thought, and all aspects of history, economy, politics, culture, society, ecology, science and technology, military affairs, and Party building. Without great effort and hard work, it is difficult to master the essence and achieve a comprehensive understanding." On the other hand, they show that these important expositions condense his strong willpower and scientific spirit in diligently practicing the "true, hard, and meticulous" kung fu ^[7] of Marxist theory, containing his rich experience and cultural heritage in meticulously reading Marxist classics, while being full of deep affection and earnest expectations for the vast number of leading officials. Precisely for this reason, these important expositions have struck the hearts of the vast number of Party members, especially leading officials, like a battle drum and a heavy hammer, urging everyone to diligently practice the "look-at-the-house skill."

Fourth, we must open up new frontiers in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. In the report to the 20th Party Congress, Xi Jinping, from the height of the history of Marxist development, clearly proposed the strategic task of "opening up new frontiers in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism" and elaborated on the fundamental path and major significance of completing this task. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Only by combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with China’s fine traditional culture, and by persisting in the application of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, can we correctly answer the major questions posed by the times and practice, and consistently maintain the exuberant vitality and vigorous energy of Marxism." Here, the "two combinations" ^[8] and "one persistent application" point out the fundamental principle and path of this strategic task; the "two 'only when's" clarify its significance. Running through these is the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method. The sum of these elements boils down to one point: upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, and unyieldingly upholding and developing Marxism.

II. The Reasons for Emphasizing the Importance of Marxist Study

The vast number of Party members, especially leading officials, must attach importance to the study of Marxist theory and improve their theoretical attainment. Why is this? In summary, it is determined by the special and heavy responsibilities they shoulder. Xi Jinping has repeatedly cautioned the entire Party: "Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology upon which our Party and country are founded and through which they thrive," and "Why the Communist Party of China 'can,' and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is 'good,' ultimately comes down to the fact that Marxism 'works,' and Sinicized and modernized Marxism 'works.'" Leading officials, especially senior officials, are the pillars, the backbone, and the "key minority" ^[9] of our Party and state. If the vast number of officials is to be capable of undertaking the historical mission of founding and strengthening the Party and the country, they must attach high importance to the study of Marxist theory—a fact proven by the Party’s century-long history of struggle. Regarding this issue, Xi Jinping has spoken repeatedly from multiple perspectives, both profoundly and thoroughly.

First, Marxism is the "root" of Communists, and the broad masses of cadres must become proficient in it. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Our Party takes Marxism as its foundation for party-building... it is the root of Communists. Without these, it would be a tree without roots." Only by firmly grasping this "root" of Marxism and mastering the Marxist stance, viewpoints, and methods can the broad masses of cadres remain true to the original aspiration and founding mission of Communists; only then can they profoundly understand and accurately grasp the laws governing the Communist Party’s governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the development of human society. Only then can they consistently strengthen their ideals and convictions, uphold scientific guiding ideology and the correct direction of progress amidst intricate and complex situations, and soberly lead the people to continuously push forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Second, ideological leadership is of extreme importance; only by mastering ideological leadership can all forms of leadership be realized. Humans stand upright by virtue of their thoughts, and mastering ideological leadership occupies the primary position in mastering all leadership. If ideological leadership cannot be mastered and people's thoughts become confused, it will be impossible to master leadership in any capacity. This is because human thought dictates action; whatever thoughts one holds will result in corresponding actions, and erroneous thoughts will inevitably lead to erroneous actions. To master ideological leadership, the fundamental premise and condition is to master the scientific principles and scientific spirit of Marxism. This is because we rely on the scientific principles and spirit of Marxism to master ideological leadership; herein lies its authority and charisma. Consequently, Xi Jinping describes the systematic mastery of basic Marxist theory by leading cadres as the "master skill for doing all work well" and the "master skill for winning work that must be universally mastered." Regarding the importance of this issue, Mao Zedong spoke as early as October 1938. He said that our Party's task "is to lead a great nation of several hundred million people to carry out a great struggle without precedent. Therefore, the task of universally and deeply studying Marxist-Leninist theory is, for us, a major issue that urgently needs to be solved and can only be solved through emphatic effort." This is even truer today. As the world's largest Marxist governing party, the Communist Party of China leads more than 1.4 billion Chinese people in achieving Chinese-path modernization, opening a new era of socialist modernization distinct from capitalist modernization. Its significance is even greater, its tasks even more arduous, and the scale, complexity, and historical characteristics of the great struggle being waged are unprecedented. For our Party, universally and deeply studying Marxist theory—particularly raising the Marxist theoretical level of the pillars, backbones, and leaders at all levels of our Party and state to adapt to this great revolution—remains a major issue that urgently needs to be solved and requires concentrated effort.

Third, upholding Marxism concerns the fundamental nature of our Party. The relationship between Marxism and the Communist Party is that of the "brain" to the "heart." If the Communist Party loses the soul of Marxism, it will inevitably lose its revolutionary class essence. Regarding the fundamental nature of this issue, Communist Parties abroad that are not yet in power, or those that have lost their governing status, feel this deeply. For example, Marco Rizzo, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Italy ^[10], said when discussing the centenary of the CPC's founding that both the Italian and Chinese Communist Parties were born in 1921. The CPC has always upheld the guiding position of Marxism, but after the 20th Congress of the CPSU in 1956, the Italian Communist Party embarked on the path of revisionism ^[11]. Subsequently, although those members of the Italian Communist Party who opposed revisionism established new organizations, they failed to re-establish Marxism as their guiding ideology. Consequently, to this day, Italy remains a country with a backward socialist movement in Europe. Furthermore, regarding the collapse of the CPSU, Xi Jinping pointed out: "If socialism had not achieved its current success in China, and if the CPC leadership and our country's socialist system had also collapsed in that domino-like change of the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the fall of the CPSU, and the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, or failed for other reasons, then socialist practice might have had to wander in the dark for a long time again, wandering the world once more as a 'specter,' as Marx said." While there were many reasons for the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, the most fundamental was that the leadership of the CPSU abandoned Marxism-Leninism.

Fourth, our Party's level of Marxist theory still needs improvement. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School on February 1, 1942, titled "Rectify the Party's Style of Work," Mao Zedong raised a question: "Is our Party's theoretical level high or low?" Mao answered: "Our theoretical level is somewhat higher than in the past. But given the rich content of the Chinese revolutionary movement, the theoretical front is very disproportionate; comparing the two, the theoretical side appears very backward... We have not yet raised rich reality to the necessary theoretical degree. We have not yet examined all questions, or major questions, of revolutionary practice to make them rise to the theoretical stage." Now that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered the New Era, what is the Marxist theoretical level of our Party? Overall, our Party has upheld the fundamentals and broken new ground, persisted in the "Two Combinations," ^[12] and created contemporary Chinese Marxism and 21st-century Marxism—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This is an original contribution to Marxism, indicating that our Party's theoretical level has leaped to the height of the latest achievements of 21st-century Marxism. Through the central government's implementation of the Project to Study and Build Marxist Theory, a "five-route army" has been formed nationwide comprising higher education institutions, philosophy and social science research institutes, Party schools and academies of governance, research institutes under Party and government departments, and military academies, producing a large number of high-quality works. It must be said that the Party's theoretical level has greatly improved compared to before. However, the acceptance and mastery of the Party's innovative theories by the majority of members still requires a process. For most members, the judgment made by Mao Zedong back then still warrants high attention. At present, not only does theoretical research lag behind practical innovation, but a considerable number of Party members, including some leading cadres, still cannot clearly distinguish the boundaries between Marxism and pragmatism or dogmatism, and cannot even identify the essence of neoliberalism, historical nihilism ^[13], or reactionary revivalism. Examples of this are not isolated; this is also the profound reason why batches of cadres have been corrupted and punished in recent years.

III. The Urgency of Diligently Studying Marxism Requiring leading cadres to diligently study Marxism is not only a necessity but also an urgency.

First, our Party's leading cadres must undergo a generational transition; the new generation must replace the old, as batches of old comrades retire from leadership positions and batches of new forces take over. These new cadres are well-educated, active in their thinking, and courageous in innovation, injecting vitality into the cadre ranks. At the same time, they relatively lack systematic study of Marxist theory. To ensure the long-term stability of the Party and the state, we must lose no time in doing a good job in the Marxist theoretical study of generation after generation of new cadres.

Second, some leading cadres in our Party still have shortcomings in their study of Marxist theory. Mao Zedong once sharply criticized that "for many years our Party has not read Marx or Lenin, has not highlighted Marx or Lenin... making many people not even know what materialism is or what idealism is." He emphasized that "special attention should be paid to the propagation of Marx and Lenin." However, in the 1980s, many schools neglected moral education and diluted Marxist education; students in school studied little Marxism, lacked a correct understanding of it, and had a weak theoretical foundation. Later, many comrades made up for this through study at Party schools and academies of governance or through self-study, but some still have theoretical shortcomings. This was not completely resolved until before the 18th National Congress ^[14]. Since the 18th National Congress, through comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, the situation in this regard has undergone a fundamental change. However, completely solving this issue of the spiritual world not only requires a process but also a multi-pronged approach. For the majority of Party members, the basic path remains strengthening the foundation, studying Marxist theory diligently, and especially gaining a deep and thorough understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to improve their Marxist theoretical literacy.

Third, leading cadres, especially high-ranking cadres, are among the primary targets of penetration and corruption by Western hostile forces. Currently, the global contest between systems and encounter between values is unprecedentedly fierce. Western hostile forces are intensifying their strategy of penetration and corruption against our country, and social thought is characterized by diversity, variety, and volatility. Some people preach the so-called "theory that communism is a pipe dream" or the "theory that communism is outdated," while others put the label of "Left" on speaking about communism, to the point where some people are ashamed to talk about it. This current of thought seriously impacts the political faith and political stamina of every Party member, causing many cadres to lose their political judgment, political vigilance, and ideals and convictions in the face of severe tests. Ultimately, this is a problem with their worldview, outlook on life, and values; some have even embarked on the path of crime and treason. Xi Jinping pointed out, "Only with theoretical clarity can there be political clarity, and only with theoretical firmness can there be political firmness." He also emphasized, "If we deviate from or abandon Marxism, our Party will lose its soul and its direction. On the fundamental issue of upholding the guiding position of Marxism, we must be unswerving and cannot waver in the slightest at any time or under any circumstances." To prevent this danger, the only way is to strengthen the study of Marxist theory. This is because "possessing the guidance of scientific Marxist theory is the fundamental basis for our Party to solidify its faith and convictions and grasp historical initiative." Looking at the history of the development of world socialism, this is an unsolved global problem related to the life and death of the Party and the state; in essence, it is about properly cultivating socialist successors and preventing the "peaceful evolution" ^[15] of socialist countries. Party cadres are the "key few" in this regard. Therefore, resolving the issue of Marxist theoretical cultivation among Party cadres is to solve this global problem from the very depths of the Communist soul. Today, we should recognize the great significance of leading cadres studying and practicing Marxism from such a political height.

Fourth, after our country entered a new stage of development, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core placed higher demands upon leading cadres. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Leading cadres must keep in mind two overall situations ^[16]: one is the overall strategic situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and the other is the world's great changes unseen in a century ^[17]; this is the fundamental starting point for us to plan our work." However, it is no easy task to consciously take these "two overall situations" as the fundamental starting point for planning work. This requires a sober response to a series of questions based on the integration of theory and practice, history and reality, and the domestic and international spheres. For example: what exactly do the "two overall situations" signify? What new problems do they face? What new requirements do they impose? How should we adapt to the new situation, carry out a great struggle with many historical characteristics different from those of the past, continuously advance social revolution ^[18] and self-revolution, and achieve victory? All of this requires a high degree of theoretical cultivation. Xi Jinping also pointed out: "At present, changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in an unprecedented way"; "The world has once again stood at a crossroads of history, and the path to take depends on the choices made by the people of all countries." According to this judgment, China also faces a choice at this crossroads of history. There are various types of choices, but theoretical choice determines the path, direction, and the overall strategic situation, and thus must naturally be considered first. Only by deepening their study and research of the basic principles of Marxism and the Party’s innovative theories, standing at the peak of the spiritual high ground of Communists, possessing a high degree of rational identification with scientific theory, a truthful and scientific understanding of historical laws, an accurate grasp of basic national conditions, and a firm faith in the "Four Consciousnesses" ^[19] and "Four Confidences" ^[20]—in short, only by resolving the issues of standpoint, viewpoint, and method can Party cadres make the correct choice. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is not only a correct world outlook, outlook on life, and values, but also a scientific methodology and epistemology; moreover, it is a powerful ideological weapon for strengthening capabilities and fulfilling important duties. Only by assiduously studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era can cadres at all levels, especially leading cadres, truly improve their Marxist theoretical literacy and their level of solving practical problems, thereby forming the political vision, theoretical power, and work ability that match their leadership positions.

Despite the fact that the Party Central Committee has repeatedly emphasized the importance and urgency of studying Marxism, in real life, there are still many cadres who lack the self-awareness and initiative for Marxist study. The specific reasons for this may have their own particularities, but from the perspective of ideological understanding, there are likely two reasons. First, some leading cadres lack a sense of responsibility and a sense of mission. What they think about and what they do is only concerned with the immediate present, including daily specific tasks such as economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological civilization construction, the Party's own building, national defense and military construction, as well as international strategy and diplomatic work. Undeniably, work in these areas must be done well, for these are all undertakings related to the overall, strategic, and forward-looking development of the cause of the Party and the state. But the problem lies in the fact that one should not subconsciously separate the specific work one is engaged in from the heavy responsibility of the Party's "Four Greats" ^[21] (carrying out a great struggle, building a great project, advancing a great cause, and realizing a great dream); one must not fail to see the broad prospects of the future and limit oneself to mere daily immediate work. Second, the thinking of some leading cadres remains stuck at the level of everyday knowledge. They do not understand that for a Communist, studying Marxism is a political responsibility that must be fulfilled, a spiritual pursuit, and a way of life. The reason for this situation is that the fundamental problem "lies in the lack of self-awareness and initiative on the part of the revolutionaries who are leaders." Therefore, the leadership cadres of our Party must, with a high degree of revolutionary self-awareness, thoroughly understand a truth: "without revolutionary theory there can be no revolutionary movement"; "only a party acted upon by the lead of an advanced theory can realize the role of advanced fighters." One must understand that "the most courageous forward steps are taken in those fields which have long been the subjects of theoretical research, and which have been cultivated primarily, if not almost exclusively, from a theoretical perspective." We must resolutely overcome the tendency to despise theory and theoretical work, attach great importance to the role of theory, and resolutely follow the spirit proposed by Xi Jinping to "persist in using study to promote practice and using practice to promote study, study the original texts, read thoroughly and think deeply, study deeply and understand thoroughly, master Marxist standpoints, viewpoints, and methods, and continuously improve Marxist theoretical literacy," so as to master the Marxist "housekeeping" skills.

Source: World Socialism Studies, No. 12, 2024 Online Editor: Jingmu