Su Yongxiang: He Who Does Not Evade Difficulties Shall Prevail
“Those whose aspirations do not seek the easy will succeed; those who do not evade difficulties in their affairs will progress.” General Secretary Xi Jinping once cited this ancient proverb [1] to inspire Party members and cadres to “establish a conviction in certain victory, advance despite difficulties,” and “become adept at cultivating new opportunities within crises and opening new prospects amidst changing situations.” Currently, our country’s development is in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and where uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. To establish and practice a correct conception of achievements [2], and to create actual results that can stand the test of practice, the people, and history, it is especially necessary for Party members and cadres to maintain the spirit of “not evading difficulties in their affairs,” to step forward and shoulder responsibilities, to meet challenges head-on, and to overcome risks, challenges, and bottlenecks.
“Those who do not evade difficulties in their affairs will progress” contains a dialectical relationship between “not evading difficulties” and “progressing.” “Not evading difficulties” is the attitude and action, while “progressing” is the goal and result; the two complement each other and form a dialectical unity. On one hand, “not evading difficulties” is the premise and foundation of “progressing.” Only by not fearing difficulties ideologically and not avoiding them in action can one take the step forward. Conversely, if one remains hesitant and timid when facing difficulties—not daring to think or act—work will simply spin in place. On the other hand, the result of “progressing” reinforces the fighting spirit and courage to “not evade difficulties.” Every instance of “rolling up one’s sleeves” [3] to work freely and taking bold steps to act is a process of accumulating experience and strengthening one's underlying confidence. Progressing in this way day by day forms a virtuous cycle where the more one dares to take responsibility, the stronger one's ability becomes, and the stronger one's ability, the more one can take responsibility. As our Party has traveled its path, conducting its cause and creating achievements, it rose up amidst “thorns and underbrush” [4], forged ahead during reform and opening up, and now rows vigorously in the great tide of the New Era. Generation after generation of Communists have not evaded difficulties nor fled from their righteous responsibilities, daring to shoulder burdens and engage in heroic struggle.
The struggle against difficulties is both a contest of material forces and a confrontation of spirits.
“Not evading difficulties” reflects a firm ideal and belief and a correct conception of achievements. When ideals and beliefs are firm, a fulcrum is found for establishing a correct conception of achievements, providing the heart with the determination and composure to pierce through the mist and overcome difficulties. In reality, some Party members and cadres take a detour when they encounter difficulties. On the surface, this appears to be a failure to shoulder responsibility, but the root cause lies in the "marrow-softening disease" [5] of lacking ideals and beliefs, brought about by a long period of peace and spiritual slackening, resulting in a deviated conception of achievements. For Party members and cadres, a little less calculation of personal gain and loss means a little more drive and initiative to understand and bear heavy burdens and to tackle tough problems. Only by fortifying the foundation of faith, replenishing the “spiritual calcium” [6], and steadying the "rudder of thought," while keeping in mind the “greatest concerns of the state” [7] and the “concerns of the people,” can one avoid being anxious for fame and wealth. Only then can one be liberated from the anxiety over the gains and losses of the “small self” and consciously create achievements for the people and through practical work.
One's breadth of mind is seen in prosperity and adversity; one's sense of responsibility is revealed in great and difficult affairs.
“Not evading difficulties” demonstrates the political character of daring to take responsibility and action. Since the start of the New Era, in a series of "major battles and great tests" such as poverty alleviation, scientific and technological innovation, emergency rescue and disaster relief, and pollution prevention and control, millions of Party members and cadres have charged to the front and performed meritorious service, interpreting the contemporary value of “not evading difficulties” through practical actions.
Tender bamboo cannot make a carrying pole; weak shoulders cannot bear heavy burdens. Only by establishing and practicing a correct conception of achievements, possessing the spiritual realm of “success does not have to stay with me” and the historical responsibility of “I will surely contribute to the success,” [8] and by performing both “conspicuous feats” that benefit the people’s livelihoods and “latent feats” that lay the foundation for long-term interests, can contradictions and difficulties be readily solved by advancing against risks and meeting difficulties head-on. Emphasizing “not evading difficulties” does not mean displaying “the courage of a common man” [9], acting recklessly, or working blindly. Rather, it means thoroughly understanding the actual situation, grasping objective laws, and implementing scientific policies while facing contradictions and challenges, thereby cultivating the extraordinary courage and ironclad skills required to solve problems and turn danger into safety.
Faced with a complex international situation and the arduous tasks of domestic reform, development, and stability, if Party members and cadres lack sufficient ability, panic when meeting contradictions, or "shiver with malaria" [10] when facing struggle, they will not only fail to accomplish anything but will also delay and damage the cause. Only by experiencing more of the “wind and waves,” handling more “hot potatoes,” and acting as “ant on a hot pan” [11] several more times—tempering one's courage, honing one's will, and growing one's talent through struggle—can one be daring and adept at capturing difficult passes, wading through dangerous shoals, and breaking down barriers. Only then can one dare to carry the weight, know how to work, and be capable of succeeding in the face of major challenges, risks, resistances, and contradictions, moving forward with "strenuous exertion and brave resolve" to write a vivid answer sheet worthy of the era and the people through practical work and real achievements.
Source: People's Daily (March 13, 2026) Editor: Huihui