There are four issues that deserve much attention in the innovation of Marxism in the 21st century. First,a profound understanding of the scientific truthfulness of Marxism is essential,without which the“innovation”would be meaningless. Second，theory is the product of practice,and only through constant innovation with the development of practice,can theory guide newly emerging practices and provide scientific answers to the questions of the times. Third，we must understand what in the 20th century Marxism can or cannot be changed;betrayal of the fundamental tenets would lead to the wrong path of regime change;ignorance of the changing practices and developed situation and blind persistence with old rules and certain ideas would result in isolation and stagnation,which in turn will stifle the vitality of Marxism.  Fourth,innovating Marxism in the 21st century must take as its departure point the historical experiences and lessons in the 20th century,in order to be able to distinguish the merits from faults,right from wrong ,and correct from erroneous,and to avoid ambiguity in theory and orientation.The Soviet Union and China constitute two key examples in summarizing such experiences and lessons.

Editor: Zhong Yao

Studies on Marxism.2017.No.3.