Mao Ze-dong’s life was the one of working“thoroughly for the interests of the people”. His original aspiration for the people is reflected in his views on the origin, history, values and methodology of the CPC. Mao’s theories of the origin of the CPC suggest the Party was“founded because the people needed it”. The people are the creators of history and the CPC has taken root among them, from which the strength of the Party and its enemies’ fear derives. These are his views of the history of the CPC. To serve the people is the most glorious and the greatest; to sacrifice for the cause of the people is “for the sake of greater ambition”; he cried out three times when he witnessed the calamities the people had suffered; to determine whether he was the champion of the people depends on whether the people shed tears on the day of the memorial service. These reflect Mao’s values on the CPC. Mao’s understanding of the CPC’s methodology includes coming among the masses, worshipping the people as teachers, drawing knowledge, wisdom and strength from them.

Editor: Zhong Yao、Huang He

From: Studies on Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping Theories. 2023. No.2.