The Historical Characteristics and Contemporary Implications of the CPC’s Promotion of the Spirit of Historical Initiative in the New Era

Since the beginning of the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made a series of important expositions on the spirit of historical initiative. These expositions provide important guidance for our in-depth understanding of the historical characteristics and contemporary implications of the spirit of historical initiative in the New Era. The Communist Party of China has long insisted on seizing the initiative in creating major achievements, seizing the initiative in undertaking historical missions, seizing the initiative in summing up historical experience, and seizing the initiative in opening up bright prospects, demonstrating the Party’s will to struggle and practical actions in promoting the spirit of historical initiative. In the New Era, the great practice of the CPC in promoting the spirit of historical initiative shows that our country has “boldly tried and bravely reformed, carving out a new world,” [1]1 The Two Integrations (两个结合) refers to the principle of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of fine traditional Chinese culture, a key theoretical formulation under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. manifesting the Chinese nation’s profound aspirations and urgent needs for progress. It is the correct choice for further promoting national development and strengthening Party building. An in-depth exploration of the Party’s theory and practice of promoting the spirit of historical initiative is of great significance for a profound understanding of the contemporary value of this spirit. Currently, our country is in a critical period of further deepening reforms comprehensively. The CPC’s promotion of the spirit of historical initiative conforms to historical and logical development, helping the Party to demonstrate new achievements on the new journey of comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.

新时代以来，习近平总书记对历史主动精神作出了一系列重要论述，这些论述为我们深入理解历史主动精神在新时代的历史特点和现实启示提供了重要指导。中国共产党长期坚持在创造重大成就中把握主动，在承担历史使命中把握主动，在总结历史经验中把握主动，在开辟光明前景中把握主动，彰显了党发扬历史主动精神的奋斗意志和实践行为。新时代，中国共产党发扬历史主动精神的伟大实践表明，我国“大胆地试、勇敢地改，干出了一片新天地”，展现了中华民族追求进步的深远志向与迫切需求，是进一步促进国家发展、加强党的建设的正确选择。深入探讨党弘扬历史主动精神的理论与实践，对于深刻理解历史主动精神的时代价值具有重要意义。当前我国正处于进一步全面深化改革的关键时期，中国共产党发扬历史主动精神合乎历史与逻辑的发展，助益党在以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的新征程中展现新作为。

Research Origins

研究缘起

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, “the Party Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has united and led the entire Party, the military, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country, with great historical initiative, immense political courage, and a strong sense of responsibility,” [2]2 The New Era (新时代) refers to the period since the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017, marking a new historical juncture for socialism with Chinese characteristics under Xi Jinping’s leadership. achieving remarkable accomplishments in both theory and practice. Since the New Era, terms such as “historical initiative,” “historical consciousness,” and “historical confidence” have frequently appeared in important Party and state documents. General Secretary Xi Jinping has also repeatedly discussed the spirit of historical initiative on important occasions, at important meetings, and at key historical junctures. A review of the documents in which General Secretary Xi Jinping has used the concept of “historical initiative” since the New Era shows that, in terms of the speeches and articles involved, these include both reports at important Party meetings—for example, Xi Jinping mentioned the concept of “historical initiative” three times each in his “Explanation on the ‘Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century’” and in his “Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China: Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects”—and speeches at symposiums and thematic conferences, such as his “Speech at a Meeting with National Model Workers and Advanced Workers” and his “Speech at a Party History Learning and Education Mobilization Conference,” where he also mentioned the “spirit of historical initiative” and “historical initiative.” In terms of the frequency of concept use, General Secretary Xi Jinping explicitly stated in 2013 the need to “give play to historical initiative and creativity, and clearly recognize the changes and constants in the world situation, national conditions, and Party conditions,” [3]3 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee was held in November 2013, not 2018 as stated in the text. This appears to be a typographical error in the original; the correct date is November 2013. unswervingly upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. This was the first time General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the concept of “historical initiative” in the New Era. In nine speeches between 2021 and 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping mentioned “historical initiative” 13 times. The most recent mention of the concept of “historical initiative” by General Secretary Xi Jinping was in his “Explanation on the ‘Decision of the Central

党的十八大以来，“以习近平同志为核心的党中央团结带领全党全军全国各族人民，以伟大的历史主动、巨大的政治勇气、强烈的责任担当”，在理论与实践上创造了举世瞩目的成就。新时代以来，在党和国家的重要文献中，“历史主动”“历史自觉”“历史自信”等词汇频繁出现，习近平总书记也多次在重要场合、重要会议、重要时间节点上论述了历史主动精神。对新时代以来习近平总书记使用“历史主动”概念的文献进行梳理，从概念涉及的讲话及篇目上看，其中既包括习近平总书记在党的重要会议上的报告，比如，习近平在《关于<中共中央关于党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的决议>的说明》和《高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜，为全面建设社会主义现代化国家而团结奋斗——在中国共产党第二十次全国代表大会上的报告》中均3次提及“历史主动”的概念；又包括习近平总书记在一些座谈会和专题大会上的讲话，比如，习近平《在同全国劳动模范代表座谈时的讲话》《在党史学习教育动员大会上的讲话》中，均有提到“历史主动精神”和“历史主动”。从概念使用频次上看，习近平总书记在2013年明确提出要“发挥历史的主动性和创造性，清醒认识世情、国情、党情的变和不变”，毫不动摇坚持和发展中国特色社会主义。这是习近平总书记在新时代首次提出“历史主动”概念。习近平总书记在2021年到2022年的9次讲话中，13次提到“历史主动”。习近平总书记最近一次提到“历史主动”概念，是在党的二十届三中全会上所作的《关于<中共中央关于进一步全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化的决定>的说明》中。习近平总书记指出，该决定“充分体现了完善和发展中国特色社会主义制度、推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化的历史主动”。从习近平总书记一系列重要讲话中不难看出，“历史主动”这一概念在推进新时代中国特色社会主义事业发展中的广泛运用，反映出“历史主动”在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想体系中具有重要地位，这既是对党和国家事业发展的重点谋划，也是对历史主动精神的升华。

As soon as the concept of “historical initiative” was put forward, it immediately attracted high attention from the academic community. Research related to the theory and practice of “historical initiative” has produced more than 10 projects funded by the National Social Science Fund in the past three years; on CNKI, there are also more than 500 journal articles with “historical initiative spirit” as their title. The core content explored by existing research results mainly includes the following aspects:

“历史主动”的概念一经提出，便立即引起了学界的高度重视。关于“历史主动”的理论与实践的相关研究，在近3年立项的国家社会科学基金项目中有10余项；在中国知网上以“历史主动精神”为篇名的期刊文章也多达500余篇。已有研究成果探讨的核心内容，主要包括以下几个方面：

1. Focusing on interpreting the theoretical system of the historical initiative spirit. First, the excavation of the generative logic of the historical initiative spirit. Most scholars discuss it from the three logics of theory, history, and practice. Some scholars believe that historical materialism is the theoretical foundation for the generation of the historical initiative spirit, the spirit of innovation is the deep foundation for its development, and the spirit of struggle is the genetic code for its promotion; other scholars believe that the historical initiative spirit originates from the political genes of the advanced nature of the Marxist political party, is nourished by Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture, and empowers the Party’s historical consciousness and historical confidence. Second, the summary of the theoretical connotation of the historical initiative spirit. The content system of the historical initiative spirit is rich, including the spirit of understanding principles and seeking truth, the spirit of continuous struggle, the spirit of great struggle, and the spirit of historical transcendence; some scholars also summarize it as the scientific spirit of following the laws of social and historical development, the practical spirit of accurately grasping historical development opportunities, and the mission spirit of actively assuming the great task of national rejuvenation. Third, the generalization of the characteristics of the historical initiative spirit. The historical initiative spirit is mainly manifested in practicality, scientificity, subjectivity, and consciousness.

1.重点解读历史主动精神的理论体系。一是对历史主动精神生成逻辑的挖掘。大部分学者都是从理论、历史和实践三重逻辑展开论述，有学者认为唯物史观是历史主动精神生成的理论基础，创新精神是历史主动精神发展的深厚底蕴，斗争精神是历史主动精神弘扬的基因密码；也有学者认为历史主动精神源自马克思主义政党先进性的政治基因，在马克思主义和中华优秀传统文化中得以滋养，为党的历史自觉和历史自信赋能。二是对历史主动精神理论内涵的总结。历史主动精神的内容体系丰富，包括明理求是精神、接续奋斗精神、伟大斗争精神、历史超越精神；也有学者将其概括为遵循社会历史发展的科学精神、精准把握历史发展机遇的实践精神、主动担当民族复兴大任的使命精神。三是对历史主动精神特质的概括。历史主动精神主要表现为实践性、科学性、主体性、自觉性。

2. Concentrating on elaborating the practical path for promoting the historical initiative spirit. First, the refinement of the value implications of the historical initiative spirit. Cultivating the historical initiative spirit has the contemporary value of enhancing historical cognition, cultivating historical sentiment, and shaping historical identity, providing conscious awareness, spiritual core, and spiritual motivation for the Party to lead the people in creating great undertakings. Second, the grasp of the practical path of the historical initiative spirit. Some scholars propose that we must adhere to the combination of following historical laws and enhancing strategic initiative, adhere to the combination of summing up historical experience and facing the future of development, adhere to the combination of grasping historical opportunities and responding to risks and challenges, and adhere to the combination of the great social revolution and the Party’s self-revolution. There is also the view that promoting the historical initiative spirit requires strengthening ideological and theoretical armed forces, conforming to the laws of historical development, adhering to the principal position of the people, and bravely undertaking historical responsibilities. In addition, some scholars place the historical initiative spirit in the historical context of the “Two Integrations”[1]1 The Two Integrations (两个结合) refers to the principle of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of fine traditional Chinese culture, a key theoretical formulation under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era., combining the historical initiative spirit with Chinese-path modernization and the construction of the modern civilization of the Chinese nation.

2.集中阐述弘扬历史主动精神的实践路径。一是对历史主动精神价值意蕴的提炼。培育历史主动精神具有提升历史认知、涵养历史情怀、融塑历史认同的时代价值，为党领导人民开创伟大事业提供了自觉意识、精神内核和精神动力。二是对历史主动精神实践路径的把握。有学者提出，要坚持遵循历史规律与增强战略主动相结合、坚持总结历史经验与面向发展未来相结合、坚持把握历史机遇与应对风险挑战相结合、坚持伟大社会革命与党的自我革命相结合。也有观点认为，弘扬历史主动精神要加强思想理论武装、顺应历史发展规律、坚持人民主体地位、勇于承担历史重任。此外，还有学者将历史主动精神置于“两个结合”的历史背景下，将历史主动精神与中国式现代化、建设中华民族现代文明相结合。

In summary, research on the historical initiative spirit has formed a certain scale in academia, providing useful reference for further in-depth research. However, most existing research results follow the research model of “formation—promotion,” that is, taking the origin and characteristics of the historical initiative spirit as the starting point of research, and taking the dissemination, acceptance, and practice of the historical initiative spirit as the foothold of research, paying less attention to the application of the historical initiative spirit in the great practice of the New Era[2]2 The New Era (新时代) refers to the period since the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017, marking a new historical juncture for socialism with Chinese characteristics under Xi Jinping’s leadership., and not directly focusing on the epochal issues of the great practice of the New Era. To this end, this article, based on the great practice of the New Era, understands the historical initiative spirit, grasps the key concept of “history,” highlights the positive attitude, forward-looking strategy, and innovative development implied behind “initiative,” comprehensively interprets the historical characteristics of the great practice of the Communist Party of China in promoting the historical initiative spirit in the New Era, and summarizes the practical revelations for enriching and developing the historical initiative spirit in the New Era. Through in-depth exploration of the great practice of the Communist Party of China in promoting the historical initiative spirit in the New Era, it aims to respond to the needs of the times from the perspective of the historical initiative spirit, further deepen the understanding of the historic achievements and historic transformations of the New Era, deepen the understanding of the laws governing the construction of a Marxist ruling party, enhance the historical consciousness and mission responsibility of Party members and cadres, and continuously create new prospects for the development of the cause.

综上所述，关于历史主动精神的研究已在学术界形成了一定的规模，为进一步的深入研究提供了有益借鉴，但已有研究成果大多遵循“形成—发扬”的研究模式，即将历史主动精神的起源、特质等作为研究起点，将历史主动精神的传播、接受和实践作为研究落脚点，较少关注历史主动精神在新时代伟大实践中的运用，也没有直接聚焦新时代伟大实践的时代课题。为此，本文立足新时代的伟大实践，理解历史主动精神，把握“历史”这一关键概念，重点突出“主动”背后蕴含的积极性态度、前瞻性战略、创新性发展，整体阐释新时代中国共产党发扬历史主动精神伟大实践的历史特点，总结新时代丰富和发展历史主动精神的现实启示。通过深入探讨新时代中国共产党发扬历史主动精神的伟大实践，以期从历史主动精神方面回应时代需求，进一步深化对新时代历史性成就、历史性变革的认识，深化对马克思主义执政党建设规律的认识，增强党员干部的历史自觉和使命担当，不断开创事业发展新局面。

Historical Characteristics of the Communist Party of China’s Promotion of the Historical Initiative Spirit in the New Era

新时代中国共产党发扬历史主动精神的历史特点

The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC emphasized the need to “strengthen historical confidence, enhance historical initiative, and compose a more splendid chapter of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era.” [1]1 The Two Integrations (两个结合) refers to the principle of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of fine traditional Chinese culture, a key theoretical formulation under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In every period, the great historical initiative spirit has embodied the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission. The concrete manifestations of the historical initiative spirit in the great practice of the New Era reflect the Party’s wisdom in grasping the laws of history and its firm confidence in the future.

党的二十大报告强调，要“坚定历史自信，增强历史主动，谱写新时代中国特色社会主义更加绚丽的华章”。无论哪个时期，伟大的历史主动精神都凝结着党的初心使命。历史主动精神在新时代伟大实践中的具体表现，反映了党在把握历史规律中的智慧和对未来的坚定信心。

(I) Leading the Great Transformations in the Cause of the Party and the State, Centrally Manifesting a High Degree of Political Consciousness in Safeguarding the Interests of the Party and the People

（一）领导党和国家事业的伟大变革，集中体现维护党和人民利益的高度政治自觉

The Communist Party of China promotes the historical initiative spirit to serve the great transformations in the cause of the Party and the state. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Communist Party of China has led the people in achieving historic accomplishments. This is built upon the foundation of the Communist Party of China actively leading historical transformations, seizing the initiative in the process of firming up ideals and convictions, and seizing the initiative in the process of undertaking historical missions, thereby demonstrating a correct grasp of the historical initiative. [2]2 The New Era (新时代) refers to the period since the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017, marking a new historical juncture for socialism with Chinese characteristics under Xi Jinping’s leadership.

中国共产党发扬历史主动精神，服务于党和国家事业的伟大变革。党的十八大以来，中国共产党带领人民取得了历史性成就，它建立在中国共产党主动引领历史变革的基础之上，在坚定理想信念中把握主动，在承担历史使命中把握主动，展现出对历史主动权的正确把握。

1. The Party seizes the initiative in the process of firming up ideals and convictions. The ideals and convictions of Chinese Communists are mainly manifested as “Marxist faith, the lofty ideal of communism, and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” The Communist Party of China is a Marxist political party. Marxism is the theoretical pillar for firming up the ideals and convictions of Chinese Communists. Its profound ideological system not only provides the Party with a powerful theoretical weapon for understanding and transforming the world but also greatly enriches and elevates the spiritual world of Chinese Communists, establishing for them lofty value pursuits and firm faith and conviction. Thus, in the face of a complex and ever-changing domestic and international environment, they always maintain high morale and iron will. The ideals and convictions of Chinese Communists are also manifested in their adherence to the communist ideal and socialism with Chinese characteristics, the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, the lofty moral character of being honest in performing official duties, and the mental state of striving tenaciously for their ideals. These contents centrally reflect the Party’s efforts in promoting economic development, enhancing the people’s sense of well-being, safeguarding national and ethnic unity and solidarity, and strengthening the country’s comprehensive national power. They shape the spiritual home of Chinese Communists and display their spiritual outlook and moral standards. In the New Era, the CPC attaches importance to carrying out different types and forms of education on ideals and convictions. In thematic education, it closely follows the era’s background and strategic goals, combining key historical junctures to determine the content of thematic education. In model education, it focuses on leveraging typical figures or events, especially emphasizing that the vast majority of Party cadres should play a vanguard and exemplary role in firming up ideals and convictions, forming correct value orientations and behavioral norms, and gradually achieving the normalization and institutionalization of education. By strengthening education on ideals and convictions, it guides the vast majority of Party members and the masses to recognize the far-reaching significance of the CPC’s governance strategies, establish correct values, enhance social responsibility and national identity, consciously safeguard the Party’s unity and solidarity, and ensure the smooth development of the cause of the Party and the state.

1.党在坚定理想信念中把握主动。中国共产党人的理想信念主要表现为“马克思主义信仰、共产主义远大理想、中国特色社会主义共同理想”。中国共产党是马克思主义政党，马克思主义是中国共产党人坚定理想信念的理论支柱，其深邃的思想体系不仅为党认识世界、改造世界提供了强大的理论武器，而且极大丰富和升华了中国共产党人的精神世界，为他们树立了崇高的价值追求和坚定的信仰信念，从而在面对复杂多变的国内外环境中始终保持昂扬的斗志和钢铁般的意志。中国共产党人的理想信念还表现为对共产主义理想和中国特色社会主义的坚守、全心全意为人民服务的根本宗旨意识、廉洁奉公的崇高品德和为理想而奋力拼搏的精神状态等。这些内容集中反映党在推动经济发展、提升人民幸福感、维护国家和民族的团结统一、增强国家综合国力上的努力，塑造了中国共产党人的精神家园，展现出中国共产党人的精神风貌和道德风尚。新时代中国共产党重视开展不同类型、不同形式的理想信念教育，在主题教育上，紧贴时代背景和战略目标，结合重大时间节点确定主题教育内容；在典型教育上，注重发挥典型人物或事件，尤其强调广大党员干部在坚定理想信念中发挥先锋模范作用，形成正确的价值取向和行为规范，逐步实现教育的常态化制度化。通过加强理想信念教育，引导广大党员和群众认识到中国共产党治国理政方略的深远意义，树立正确的价值观，增强社会责任感和国家认同感，自觉维护党的团结统一，保障党和国家事业的顺利发展。

2. The Party seizes the initiative in the process of undertaking historical missions. General Secretary Xi Jinping, in his “Explanation on the ‘Resolution

2.党在承担历史使命中把握主动。习近平总书记在《关于<中共中央关于党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的决议>的说明》中指出，第三个历史决议“充分体现党深刻把握历史发展规律、始终掌握党和国家事业发展的历史主动和使命担当”。中国共产党是马克思主义使命型政党。新时代伟大实践对中国共产党提出了更高的要求，赋予其更重的任务，这需要党自觉担当新时代赋予的新的历史使命。党的十八大以来，中国共产党全方位分析我国的发展优势和前景，着力克服在统筹推进“五位一体”总体布局过程中可能遇到的各种问题和挑战，在协调推进“四个全面”战略布局上下功夫，推动党和国家各项事业不断取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，全面建成小康社会，实现第一个百年奋斗目标。党的二十大报告指出，“从现在起，中国共产党的中心任务就是团结带领全国各族人民全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现第二个百年奋斗目标，以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴”。党的中心任务是党的历史使命在各个历史阶段的具体体现，正确认识和把握历史规律有助于党在制定和完成中心任务时避免盲目性和随意性。新时代新征程上，中国共产党人要不断深化对共产党执政规律、社会主义建设规律、人类社会发展规律的认识，在志存高远和脚踏实地中承担历史使命，用实际行动书写属于新时代的壮丽史诗。

(2) Adhering to the people-centered development thought, and striving to manifest the strong sense of responsibility that the people’s aspiration for a better life is the Party’s goal of struggle

（二）坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，着力彰显人民对美好生活的向往就是党的奋斗目标的强烈责任担当

The people-centered development thought is an important worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It embodies the Party’s profound recognition and full respect for the people’s position as the subject of history, and is the fundamental reason why the Party always maintains flesh-and-blood ties with the masses and wins the people’s trust. The Communist Party of China not only fully affirms the people’s subject status, but also practices the fundamental purpose of serving the people in practice. The great practice of the CPC’s promotion of the historical initiative spirit in the New Era manifests that the people’s aspiration for a better life is the Party’s goal of struggle.

以人民为中心的发展思想，是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要世界观和方法论，体现了党对人民历史主体地位的深刻认识和充分尊重，是党始终保持同人民群众的血肉联系、赢得人民信任的根本原因。中国共产党不仅充分肯定人民的主体地位，更在实践中践行为人民服务的根本宗旨。新时代中国共产党发扬历史主动精神的伟大实践，彰显人民对美好生活的向往就是党的奋斗目标。

1. Upholding the people being the masters of the country. The Communist Party of China always upholds the people’s subject status, emphasizing that all power in the country belongs to the people, reflecting the essence and core of socialist democratic politics. On the path of comprehensively deepening reform, the CPC deeply recognizes the importance of adhering to a people-centered approach; the purpose of reform is to make the lives of all people happier. In November 2018, when the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee [3]3 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee was held in November 2013, not 2018 as stated in the text. This appears to be a typographical error in the original; the correct date is November 2013. summarized the guiding ideology for comprehensively deepening reform, “adhering to a people-oriented approach” was one of the four experiences that needed to be upheld over the long term. In December of the same year, at the conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, General Secretary Xi Jinping detailed the “nine adherences,” listing “must adhere to a people-centered approach” as the second item. In 2024, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee [4]4 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was held in July 2024. proposed six adherence principles, with “adhering to a people-centered approach” listed as the second item. Being people-centered is not only the Party’s summary and application of the historical experience of reform and opening up, but also the fundamental value of the CPC, and a concrete manifestation of the Party’s essential attributes and governing philosophy. At the same time, the people-centered development thought also has methodological significance on the path of comprehensively deepening reform, namely adhering to a problem-oriented approach and adhering to a systems perspective. The CPC has a strong problem consciousness, following the logic of keenly discovering problems, soberly analyzing problems, and consciously solving problems, taking the people’s aspiration for a better life as the starting point for further comprehensively deepening reform. In the New Era, the people’s aspiration for a better life has expanded from the material level to other higher-level needs, “looking forward to better education, more stable jobs, more satisfactory income, more reliable social security, higher-level medical and health services, more comfortable living conditions, and a more beautiful environment.” Adhering to the people-centered development thought is a systematic project encompassing multiple aspects and levels, taking improving people’s well-being as the starting point and ultimate goal, coordinating and balancing various fields including the economy, politics, culture, society, and ecology, and mobilizing people from all walks of life to participate and cooperate with each other.

1.坚持人民当家作主。中国共产党始终坚持人民主体地位，强调国家一切权力属于人民，体现出社会主义民主政治的本质和核心。在全面深化改革的道路上，中国共产党深刻认识到坚持以人民为中心的重要性，改革的目的是让全体人民生活得更加幸福。2018年11月，党的十八届三中全会总结全面深化改革的指导思想时，“坚持以人为本”是四条需要长期坚持的经验之一。同年12月，在庆祝改革开放40周年大会上，习近平总书记详细列举出“九个坚持”，将“必须坚持以人民为中心”列为第二条。2024年，党的二十届三中全会提出了六项坚持原则，“坚持以人民为中心”被列为第二项。以人民为中心不仅是党对改革开放历史经验的总结和运用，更是中国共产党的根本价值所在，是党的本质属性和执政理念的具体彰显。同时，以人民为中心的发展思想在全面深化改革道路上还具有方法论意义，这就是坚持问题导向和坚持系统观念。中国共产党具有强烈的问题意识，遵循敏锐发现问题、清醒剖析问题到自觉解决问题的逻辑，把人民对美好生活的向往作为进一步全面深化改革的出发点。新时代人民对美好生活的向往已由物质层面扩展到其他更高层次的需求，“期盼有更好的教育、更稳定的工作、更满意的收入、更可靠的社会保障、更高水平的医疗卫生服务、更舒适的居住条件、更优美的环境”。坚持以人民为中心的发展思想是一个包含多方面、多层次的系统工程，以增进人民福祉作为出发点和落脚点，统筹协调经济、政治、文化、社会、生态各领域各方面，动员各界人士共同参与和相互配合。

2. Persisting in benefiting the people. “The original aspiration and founding mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.” Persisting in benefiting the people embodies the CPC’s view of the people and its outlook on political performance. The CPC regards benefiting the people as an important political achievement, adheres to the principle of putting the people first, upholds the tenet of serving the people wholeheartedly, and improves the people’s well-being. The purpose of benefiting the people is to provide the people with a happy and fulfilling state of life, which encompasses the satisfaction of the people’s material needs and spiritual demands. To meet the people’s needs, the CPC adheres to the new development philosophy, actively develops socialist democratic politics, strengthens institutional construction, expands channels for citizen participation, enhances the degree of citizen participation, vigorously develops cultural undertakings, and ensures that the people enjoy tangible rights and interests. Looking back over the Party’s history, the CPC has led the Chinese people through tremendous transformations from survival to improvement to development, achieving a continuous rise in the people’s living standards. The great practice of the historical initiative spirit in the New Era proves that the CPC possesses a sober and conscious initiative spirit and a foresighted ability to prepare for the future. Only by remaining true to the original aspiration can one achieve a successful outcome. The CPC, with a striving posture that presses forward with indomitable will and a mental state of unremitting effort, continues to fulfill the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission, takes the people’s aspiration for a better life as the Party’s goal of struggle, and unleashes the unique advantages and powerful strength of the people in the great practice of promoting the historical initiative spirit.

2.坚持为民造福。“中国共产党人的初心和使命，就是为中国人民谋幸福，为中华民族谋复兴。”坚持为民造福体现了中国共产党的人民观和政绩观。中国共产党把为民造福作为重要的政绩，坚持人民至上的原则，秉承全心全意为人民服务的宗旨，增进民生福祉。为民造福的目的是为人民提供美满幸福的生活状态，它涵盖了人民在物质生活和精神需求上的满足。为了满足人民的需求，中国共产党坚持新发展理念，积极发展社会主义民主政治，加强制度建设，拓展公民参与途径，增强公民参与程度，大力发展文化事业，确保人民享受实实在在的权益。纵观党的历史，中国共产党带领中国人民经历从生存、改善到发展的巨大变革，实现人民生活水平的不断提高。历史主动精神在新时代的伟大实践证明，中国共产党具有清醒自觉的主动精神和未雨绸缪的预见能力。不忘初心，方得始终。中国共产党以一往无前的奋斗姿态和永不懈怠的精神状态继续践行党的初心和使命，把人民对美好生活的向往作为党的奋斗目标，在发扬历史主动精神的伟大实践中发挥人民群众的独特优势和强大力量。

(III) Focusing on summarizing historical experience, prominently emphasizing the precious historical accumulation of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics

（三）聚焦总结历史经验，突出强调要坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的宝贵历史积累

Summing up experience is for the purpose of better grasping the historical initiative. The historical initiative spirit is mainly manifested as the proactive cognition and behavior of the historical subject in the process of understanding and transforming the world. This spirit makes the historical subject dissatisfied with passively accepting the status quo, but instead manifests as active exploration and positive action toward the objective world. The CPC grasps the initiative in summarizing historical experience, insists on using scientific methods to summarize historical experience, and provides important guidance and a program of action for the development of the Party and the country’s undertakings in the New Era.

总结经验是为了更好地把握历史主动。历史主动精神主要表现为历史主体在认识世界和改造世界过程中积极主动的认知和行为，这种精神使历史主体不满足于被动接受现状，而是表现为对客观世界的主动探索和积极作为。中国共产党在总结历史经验中把握主动，坚持运用科学方法总结历史经验，为新时代党和国家事业发展提供了重要的指南和行动纲领。

1. The Party insists on using scientific methods to summarize historical experience. First, it pays attention to the experience of each historical period while also emphasizing linking the experiences of various historical periods to resolve issues. Although the tasks and characteristics of the Party differ at each stage of historical development, the CPC is adept at proceeding from a grand historical perspective and actively seeking common problems to resolve. In the New Era, the CPC is committed to solving a series of difficult problems, such as how to break out of the historical cycle of rise and fall [5]5 The “historical cycle of rise and fall” (治乱兴衰的历史周期率) refers to the traditional Chinese dynastic pattern of founding, flourishing, decline, and collapse, which the CPC seeks to break out of through self-revolution and institutional oversight., how to win the protracted battle against corruption, and how to win the support and endorsement of the people, and it focuses on seeking answers from historical experience. In the Party’s third historical resolution [6]6 The “third historical resolution” refers to the “Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party’s Century-Long Struggle,” adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee in November 2021., the CPC summarized ten historical experiences from its century-long struggle. These “ten persists” are not derived simply from a specific historical period, nor do they target a specific historical event; rather, they are an overall summary and generalization of the Party’s century-long struggle historical experience, carrying profound significance. Second, it pays attention to experience under specific historical conditions while also emphasizing summarizing experience in the context of the general trend of the times. Proceeding from the objective reality of the New Era, the CPC, in summarizing historical experience, both integrates reality and considers the future, and both focuses on China’s development and explores its global significance. Among the “ten persists,” there are terms such as “China’s specific realities,” “sinicization,” “localization,” and “trend of the times,” as well as expressions such as “embracing the world,” “global vision,” “human development,” and “the future and destiny of humanity.” Third, it emphasizes both summarizing experience from successes and drawing lessons from failures. The CPC adheres to historical materialism and a correct Party history view, correctly views the achievements, mistakes, and twists and turns in Party history, summarizes both positive and negative experiences, and seeks the magic weapon for defeating the enemy. While summarizing the major achievements of reform and opening up over 40 years, the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China, and the Party’s century-long struggle, the CPC also does not shy away from pointing out mistakes and twists and turns in Party history such as the “Great Leap Forward” [7]7 The “Great Leap Forward” (1958–1962) was a campaign for rapid industrialization and collectivization that led to severe economic difficulties and famine. and the “Cultural Revolution” [8]8 The “Cultural Revolution” (1966–1976) was a sociopolitical movement launched by Mao Zedong to purge capitalist and traditional elements, resulting in widespread upheaval., both fully drawing on historical experience and maintaining constant vigilance.

1.党坚持运用科学方法总结历史经验。其一，既关注各个历史时期的经验，又重视把各个历史时期的经验联系起来加以解决。虽然党在历史发展的各个阶段任务不同、特点各异，但是中国共产党善于从大历史观出发，积极寻找共性问题加以解决。新时代，中国共产党致力于解决如何跳出治乱兴衰的历史周期率、如何打赢反腐败斗争攻坚战持久战、如何赢得人民群众的支持和拥护等一系列难题，并注重从历史经验中寻求答案。在党的第三个历史决议中，中国共产党总结出百年奋斗的十条历史经验。这“十个坚持”不是单纯从某一具体历史时期出发，也没有针对某一具体历史事件，而是对党的百年奋斗历史经验的整体概括和总结，具有深远意义。其二，既关注特定历史条件下的经验，又注重把经验置于时代发展大势中加以总结。从新时代的客观实际出发，中国共产党在总结历史经验中既结合实际又考虑未来，既注重中国发展又探究世界意义。在“十个坚持”中，既有“中国具体实际”“中国化”“本土化”“时代潮流”等字眼，又有“胸怀天下”“世界眼光”“人类发展”“人类前途命运”等表述。其三，既注重在成功中总结经验，又注重在失败中汲取教训。中国共产党坚持唯物史观和正确党史观，正确看待党史上的成就、失误和曲折，总结正反两方面的经验，探寻克敌制胜的法宝。中国共产党在总结改革开放40年、新中国成立70周年、党的百年奋斗的重大成就的同时，也毫不避讳地指出党的历史上出现的“大跃进”“文化大革命”等失误和曲折，既充分借鉴历史经验，又时刻保持警醒。

2. The Party unswervingly promotes the creative application and innovative development of historical experience. The value and significance of historical experience can transcend the limitations of time. Deeply understanding the enlightening significance of historical experience not only reflects respect for history but also demonstrates a sense of responsibility for future development. The profound insights contained in historical experience continuously provide solid support and powerful reference for decision-making, problem-solving, and social development. The Party’s historical resolutions are important texts that manifest the Party’s wisdom and experience, containing the Party’s summary of historical experience at critical moments. Although the Party’s third historical resolution was separated from the previous two historical resolutions by 76 and 40 years respectively, when carefully studying and scientifically formulating the Party’s third historical resolution at the major historical juncture of the Party’s centenary, General Secretary Xi Jinping believed that the “basic expositions and conclusions of the first two historical resolutions remain applicable to this day.” [9]9 Xi The third historical resolution creatively applies the basic experiences of the first two historical resolutions and, based on the great practice of the New Era, achieves innovative development in terms of main line, perspective, and content. First, it takes the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as the main line. The determination of this main line represents a more macroscopic and far-reaching understanding of the threads of the Party’s historical development, running through the struggle process of each historical period of the Party. Second, it takes a macroscopic perspective spanning the Party’s century as the entry point. The third historical resolution covers the time periods of the first two historical resolutions, proceeding from an overall perspective, representing a holistic excavation and exposition of the Party’s history. Third, it comprehensively summarizes the major achievements of the Party’s century-long struggle and lists in detail the important experiences of the “ten persists.” This is done based on the actual situation of the Party’s and the country’s various undertakings, possessing original and groundbreaking significance in theory and far-reaching practical significance in practice. In the “Explanation on the ‘Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party’s Century-Long Struggle,’” Xi Jinping evaluated the ten experiences summarized in the third historical resolution as “a systematic, complete, and mutually interconnected organic whole, revealing the fundamental guarantee for the continuous success of the Party’s and the people’s cause, revealing the source of strength for the Party to always remain invincible, revealing the fundamental reason why the Party always grasps the historical initiative, and revealing the fundamental path for the Party to forever maintain its advanced nature and purity and always stay at the forefront of the times.” [10]10 The three major epochal questions refer to: upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, building a great modern socialist country, and building a long-term governing Marxist party. The third historical resolution “fully embodies the Party’s foresight and deep planning in basing itself on the present, focusing on the future, and emphasizing the summarization and application of historical experience.” [11]11 This is the two-stage strategic plan for building a modern socialist country, first announced at the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017. Taking history as a mirror, we create the future. The historical experience summarized by the CPC is the precious historical accumulation for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and is an important ideological weapon on the new journey of the New Era.

2.党坚定不移推动历史经验的创造性运用和创新性发展。历史经验的价值与意义能够超越时间的限制，深刻认识历史经验的启示意义，不仅体现了对历史的尊重，而且彰显了对未来发展的责任感。历史经验蕴含的深刻洞察持续地为决策的制定、问题的解决和社会的发展提供坚实支撑和有力借鉴。党的历史决议是彰显党的智慧与经验的重要文本，蕴含着党在关键时刻对历史经验的总结。虽然党的第三个历史决议距离前两个历史决议分别间隔了76年和40年之久，但是在建党百年这一重大历史关头认真研究和科学制定党的第三个历史决议时，习近平总书记认为前两个历史决议的“基本论述和结论至今仍然适用”。第三个历史决议创造性地运用了前两个历史决议的基本经验，依据新时代的伟大实践在主线、视野、内容等方面得以创新发展。其一，以实现中华民族伟大复兴为主线。这一主线的确定是对党的历史发展线索的更宏观、更高远的认识，贯穿在党的各个历史时期的奋斗历程中。其二，以贯穿党的百年的宏观视野作为切入点。第三个历史决议涵盖前两个历史决议的时间阶段，从全局的视野出发，是对党的历史的整体性挖掘和阐述。其三，全面总结党的百年奋斗的重大成就，详细列出“十个坚持”的重要经验。这是根据党和国家各项事业的现实情况作出的，在理论上具有原创性和开创性意义，在实践上具有深远的现实意义。在《关于<中共中央关于党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的决议>的说明》中，习近平评价第三个历史决议中总结的十条经验“是系统完整、相互贯通的有机整体，揭示了党和人民事业不断成功的根本保证，揭示了党始终立于不败之地的力量源泉，揭示了党始终掌握历史主动的根本原因，揭示了党永葆先进性和纯洁性、始终走在时代前列的根本途径”。第三个历史决议“充分体现党立足当下、着眼未来、注重总结和运用历史经验的高瞻远瞩和深谋远虑”。以史为鉴，开创未来。中国共产党总结的历史经验是坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的宝贵历史积累，是新时代新征程上重要的思想武器。

(IV) Continuously opening up bright prospects, fully demonstrating the long-term strategic vision of discerning the general trend of the times

（四）持续开辟光明前景，充分展现洞察时代发展大势的长远战略眼光

Seizing historical opportunities, winning the historical initiative. The Party’s achievements benefit from its proactive grasp of historical opportunities. No matter how the times develop or how history changes, the CPC has always relied on its own powerful driving force to cleave through waves and forge ahead courageously. The various trials and tribulations in the long river of history have forged the CPC into a Marxist ruling party that always stays at the forefront of the times, inspiring the CPC to contribute outstanding wisdom and innovative solutions on the new journey of the New Era and to contribute greater strength to continue achieving new and greater accomplishments.

抓住历史机遇，赢得历史主动。党的成就得益于对历史机遇的主动把握，不论时代如何发展，历史如何变迁，中国共产党始终凭借自身强大的驱动力，劈波斩浪、奋勇向前。历史长河中的种种考验和磨难把中国共产党锻造成为始终走在时代前列的马克思主义执政党，激励着中国共产党在新时代新征程上贡献卓越智慧与创新方案，为继续取得新的更大成就贡献更大力量。

1. The Communist Party of China is adept at seizing the initiative in judging the general trend of the times, correctly grasping changes in the general trend of the times and historical junctures. First, it acts with a sense of responsibility based on the “two overall situations.” The CPC comprehensively understands changes in the international and domestic conditions of the Party and the country, basing itself both on the strategic overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and on the changes unseen in a century in the world, reflecting the CPC’s lofty political ideals and grand strategic vision. The “two overall situations” are intertwined; the CPC deeply grasps the internal connection between them, adhering both to the Chinese path and to a global vision, taking the “two overall situations” as the basic starting point and foothold of governance in the New Era, striving to promote benign interaction and mutual reinforcement between them, and playing an active role for China in international affairs. Second, it correctly understands and scientifically answers three major epochal questions. [10]10 The three major epochal questions refer to: upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, building a great modern socialist country, and building a long-term governing Marxist party. The three major epochal questions centrally reflect the main problems and important tasks facing the Party in the New Era, deepening the Party’s understanding, from a new perspective, of the theory and practice of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, building a great modern socialist country, and building a long-term governing Marxist party. They provide correct answers to the major epochal questions in terms of strategic vision and action plans, helping the CPC to put forward new theoretical insights and practical propositions that align with the development of the times on the basis of new practical developments. These new empirical cognitions constitute the logical starting point for the Party to continue advancing under specific historical conditions.

1.中国共产党善于在判断时代大势中把握主动，正确把握时代大势和历史方位变化。其一，立足“两个大局”担当作为。中国共产党全面认识世情国情党情的变化，既立足于中华民族伟大复兴战略全局，又立足于世界百年未有之大变局，体现了中国共产党的远大政治理想和宏伟战略愿景。“两个大局”是相互交织的，中国共产党深刻把握两者之间的内在联系，既坚持中国道路，又坚持胸怀天下，把“两个大局”作为新时代治国理政的基本出发点和立脚点，努力推动两者之间的良性互动和相互促进，发挥中国在国际事务中的积极作用。其二，正确认识和科学回答三个重大时代课题。三个重大时代课题集中反映了新时代党面临的主要问题和重要任务，以全新的视野深化了党对新时代坚持和发展中国特色社会主义、建设社会主义现代化强国、建设长期执政的马克思主义政党的理论与实践的认识，在战略愿景和行动方略方面对重大时代课题作出了正确回答，助益中国共产党在新的实践发展基础上提出与时代发展相契合的新的理论见解和实践主张，这些新的经验认知构成党在特定时代背景下继续前行的逻辑起点。

2. Leading the development of the Party and the country’s undertakings with the general trend of the times, seizing the initiative in opening up bright prospects. First, the Party seizes the initiative strategically. This historical initiative is mainly manifested in the Party’s leadership and governance consistently following clear goals and plans, formulating policies and strategies on the basis of correctly grasping the general trend of the times, not only specifying concrete development goals but also making corresponding provisions for the time of completion. According to the Party’s development strategy, “from 2020 to 2035, basically realize socialist modernization; from 2035 to the middle of this century, build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful.” [11]11 This is the two-stage strategic plan for building a modern socialist country, first announced at the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017. The “two centenary goals” demonstrate the Party’s determination and wisdom in achieving the bright prospects of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. Similarly, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC formulated the overall goal of comprehensively deepening reform, pointing out the need to “complete the reform tasks set forth in this decision by 2029, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.” [12]12 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, held in July 2024, adopted a decision on further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese-path modernization. The goals set by the CPC are not hasty decisions but the result of careful analysis. Judging the actual development process of socialism with Chinese characteristics, strengthening the national governance system and governance capacity, analyzing the role of cultural exchange and conflict in advancing the process of world history—these are all important considerations for the Party in scientifically formulating the “two centenary goals.” The overall goal of comprehensively deepening reform is also a conclusion reached by the Party on the basis of a profound understanding of the nature, content, methods, and achievements of reform and opening up. Second, the Party seizes the initiative theoretically. This historical initiative is mainly manifested in the CPC’s methods of theoretical innovation in the New Era. In the methodology of promoting theoretical innovation, the CPC aligns with the needs of the times, takes solving epochal issues as the driving force, understands and leverages the important role of the Two Integrations in advancing theoretical innovation, adheres to the basic principles of Marxism, and actively absorbs the essence of fine traditional Chinese culture. It advances the Party’s theoretical innovation through upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, consciously inheriting the Party’s experience in the practices of revolution, construction, and reform, and summarizing effective methods of theoretical innovation in the New Era. In short, the CPC always adopts a proactive stance, setting and striving to achieve new development goals based on actual conditions, and working hard to open up bright prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

2.以时代大势引领党和国家事业发展，在开辟光明前景中把握主动。其一，党在战略上把握主动。这一历史主动主要表现为党的领导和治国理政始终遵循明确的目标和规划，在正确把握时代大势基础上制定政策和策略，不但指出具体的发展目标，而且对完成时间也作出相应规定。根据党的发展战略，“从二〇二〇年到二〇三五年基本实现社会主义现代化；从二〇三五年到本世纪中叶把我国建成富强民主文明和谐美丽的社会主义现代化强国”。“两个一百年”奋斗目标展现了党为实现强国建设、民族复兴的光明前景的决心和智慧。同样，党的二十届三中全会制定全面深化改革的总目标，指出要“到二〇二九年中华人民共和国成立八十周年时，完成本决定提出的改革任务”。中国共产党制定的目标不是轻率的决定，而是经过审慎分析的结果。判断中国特色社会主义的实际发展进程，强化国家治理体系和治理能力，分析文化交流与冲突在推进世界历史进程中的作用，等等，这些都是党在科学制定“两个一百年”奋斗目标时的重要考量。全面深化改革总目标也是党在深刻认识改革开放的性质、内容、方法和成就的基础上得出的结论。其二，党在理论上把握主动。这一历史主动主要表现为新时代中国共产党的理论创新方法。在推进理论创新的方法论中，中国共产党契合时代需求，以解决时代课题为动力源泉，认识和发挥“两个结合”在推进理论创新中的重要作用，坚持遵循马克思主义基本原理，主动吸收中华优秀传统文化的精髓。在守正创新中推进党的理论创新，自觉传承党在革命、建设、改革实践中的经验，总结新时代理论创新的有效方法。简而言之，中国共产党始终以积极主动的姿态，根据现实条件，设定并致力于实现新的发展目标，努力开辟中华民族伟大复兴的光明前景。

Conclusion

结语

The achievements of great practice driven by the spirit of historical initiative convince us that the spirit of historical initiative must be upheld and promoted over the long term. Standing at a new historical starting point, the CPC draws strength for endeavor from the spirit of historical initiative, excavates and stimulates the spiritual driving force of historical initiative, and brings inspiration for the development of the New Era.

历史主动精神推动伟大实践的成就让我们确信，历史主动精神必将长期坚持和弘扬。站在新的历史起点上，中国共产党从历史主动精神中汲取奋进力量，发掘并激发历史主动的精神动力，为新时代的发展带来启示。

(I) Firmly believe in Marxism, and unremittingly use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to consolidate the soul and build the foundation.

（一）坚定马克思主义信仰，坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂

The spirit of historical initiative is generated from Marxism and developed from the latest achievements in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. From the perspective of generation, Marxism gave birth to the spirit of historical initiative of Communists and is the core driving force for inspiring this spirit. “Possessing the guidance of Marxist scientific theory is the fundamental basis for our Party to firmly believe in its ideals and convictions and to grasp historical initiative.” [13]13 Quotation from the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC (October 2022). The CPC’s spirit of historical initiative was formed through a profound understanding and great practice of the scientific truth of historical materialism; it is the CPC’s upholding of fundamental principles and breaking of new ground in Marxism. Upholding and promoting the spirit of historical initiative requires adhering to the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method. Under the guidance of the basic principles of Marxism, we must insist on grasping historical initiative with scientific theory and give play to the guiding role of the Marxist theoretical foundation. Promoting the spirit of historical initiative is a theoretical innovation achievement of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, inspiring CPC members, on the premise of adhering to the Two Integrations, to shoulder the historical mission of the CPC and continuously write a new chapter in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

历史主动精神生成于马克思主义，发展于马克思主义中国化最新成果。从生成的维度思考，马克思主义孕育了共产党人的历史主动精神，是激发历史主动精神的核心动力。“拥有马克思主义科学理论指导是我们党坚定信仰信念、把握历史主动的根本所在。”中国共产党历史主动精神形成于对唯物史观科学真理的深刻理解和伟大实践，是中国共产党人对马克思主义的守正创新。坚持和弘扬历史主动精神必须坚持马克思主义的立场、观点和方法。在马克思主义基本原理的指导下，坚持科学理论掌握历史主动，发挥马克思主义理论基础的指导作用。弘扬历史主动精神是中国化马克思主义的理论创新成果，激励中国共产党人在坚持“两个结合”的前提下，担当起中国共产党的历史使命，不断谱写马克思主义中国化时代化新篇章。

We must unremittingly use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to consolidate the soul and build the foundation, drawing the power of historical initiative from the latest achievements in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. From a series of important expositions by General Secretary Xi Jinping, we study new ideas, new viewpoints, and new judgments, insist on using the Party’s innovative theories to lead new development, forge the spirit of the times, and promote reform and opening up. “Our Party has always used the basic principles of Marxism to analyze and grasp the general trend of history, correctly handle the relationship between China and the world, and is adept at seizing and making good use of various historical opportunities.” [14]14 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at a celebration of the centenary of the CPC (July 2021). Strengthening historical confidence and enhancing ideals and convictions, the CPC will continue to “adhere to the basic principles of Marxism, adhere to seeking truth from facts, proceed from China’s actual conditions, discern the general trend of the times, grasp historical initiative, carry out arduous exploration, continuously advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and guide the Chinese people in continuously advancing the great social revolution.” [15]15 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at a celebration of the centenary of the CPC (July 2021). The vast number of Party members and cadres must establish firm convictions, always maintain a clear mind, and strive to enhance their ideological awareness and capacity for action.

要坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂，从马克思主义中国化最新成果中汲取历史主动的力量。从习近平总书记一系列重要论述中，学习新思想、新观点、新论断，坚持用党的创新理论引领新发展，铸就时代精神，推动改革开放。“我们党始终以马克思主义基本原理分析把握历史大势，正确处理中国和世界的关系，善于抓住和用好各种历史机遇。”坚定历史自信，增强理想信念，中国共产党将继续“坚持马克思主义基本原理，坚持实事求是，从中国实际出发，洞察时代大势，把握历史主动，进行艰辛探索，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，指导中国人民不断推进伟大社会革命”。广大党员干部要树立坚定的信念，时刻保持清醒的头脑，努力提升自己的思想觉悟和行动能力。

(II) Use the Party’s self-revolution to lead the great social revolution, inspiring the Party’s courage to advance unwaveringly on the revolutionary path.

（二）以党的自我革命引领伟大社会革命，激发党在革命道路上一往无前的勇气

Self-revolution endows the Party with the confidence and courage to exert the spirit of historical initiative. Through self-revolution, the CPC has successfully forged a party that maintains its advanced nature and integrity. In revolutionary tempering, the CPC insists on self-reflection and self-correction, continuously enhancing the Party’s cohesion and combat effectiveness, and innovating methods and pathways for solving problems. The CPC’s scientific approach to self-revolution aligns with the core essence of persistently promoting the spirit of historical initiative, inspiring the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, with firm convictions and fearless courage, to cross one hurdle after another in history and reality, and to gnaw through one “hard bone” after another. [16]16 “Hard bones” (ying gutou) is a common metaphor in CPC political discourse for difficult or intractable problems, especially in reform and governance.

自我革命赋予党发挥历史主动精神的底气和勇气。通过自我革命，中国共产党成功锻造了一个保持先进性和纯洁性的政党。在革命性锻造中，中国共产党坚持自我反省和自我矫正，不断增强党的凝聚力和战斗力，创新解决问题的方法和途径。中国共产党坚持自我革命的科学思路与坚持发扬历史主动精神的核心要旨相吻合，激励全党和全国各族人民以坚定的信念和无畏的勇气，跨越历史与现实中的一道道坎，啃下一块块难啃的“硬骨头”。

Adhering to self-revolution and forever maintaining the advanced character of self-renewal requires the Communist Party of China to always keep sharp insight in a constantly changing world, possess the courage to break conventions, and have the capacity for continuous learning and self-reflection. Maintaining sharp insight means that the CPC must constantly demonstrate the advantages of a major party, make accurate judgments in a timely manner on uncertain and unpredictable events such as “black swans” and “gray rhinos,” [17]17 “Black swan” and “gray rhino” are metaphors for highly improbable, unpredictable events and obvious, neglected dangers, respectively, commonly used in Chinese political discourse to describe types of risk. see through phenomena to grasp the essence, commit to resolving deep-seated problems and contradictions, always forge ahead at the forefront of the times, and firmly stand on the correct side of history. Having the courage to break conventions means that the CPC must dare to attempt the unknown and have the courage to bear the risk of failure. In today’s world, where changes unseen in a century are accelerating, only by bravely stepping out of the comfort zone to seek new possibilities can there be opportunities for survival and development. Moreover, as a century-old major party, for the CPC to continuously play a leading role and forever maintain the advanced nature of the ruling party, advancing the Party’s self-revolution is one of the prerequisite conditions. Possessing the capacity for continuous learning and self-reflection means that the CPC must make an accurate assessment of its own strengths and weaknesses, persistently strengthen the building of a Marxist learning-oriented Party, study the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists originating from the great founding spirit of the Party, [18]18 The “great founding spirit of the Party” (伟大建党精神) refers to the spiritual essence of the CPC’s founding in 1921, officially summarized in 2021 as “upholding truth,坚守理想,践行初心,担当使命,不怕牺牲,英勇斗争,对党忠诚,不负人民.” study the Party’s theoretical innovation achievements, study professional knowledge and technologies in various fields, study the advanced qualities of typical models and outstanding examples, and study the Party’s fine traditions and historical experience, among other things. Through continuously understanding itself, summarizing shortcomings, and seeking improvement, the CPC formulates strategies more suitable for self-improvement and self-perfection, effectively responds to social demands with a more open and inclusive mindset, and shoulders social responsibilities and historical missions.

坚持自我革命，永远保持自我革新的先进品格，这要求中国共产党在不断变化的世界中始终保持敏锐的洞察力、具有打破常规的勇气、具备持续学习和自我反思的能力。保持敏锐的洞察力意味着中国共产党要时刻彰显出大党的优势，对类似于“黑天鹅”“灰犀牛”等不确定、难预料事件及时作出准确的判断，透过现象看本质，致力于解决深层次问题和矛盾，始终奋进在时代前列，坚定站在历史正确的一边。具有打破常规的勇气意味着中国共产党要敢于尝试未知、勇于承担失败的风险。当今世界百年未有之大变局加速演进，唯有勇于走出舒适圈寻找新的可能，才有机会生存和发展。而且，中国共产党作为百年大党，要持续发挥大党的引领作用和永葆执政党的先进性，推进党的自我革命是先决条件之一。具备持续学习和自我反思的能力意味着中国共产党要对自身的优势和劣势作出准确评估，持之以恒加强马克思主义学习型政党建设，学习以伟大建党精神为源头的中国共产党人精神谱系、学习党的理论创新成果、学习各领域各专业知识和技术、学习先进典型和优秀榜样的先进品质、学习党的优良传统和历史经验，等等。中国共产党通过不断认识自我、总结不足、寻求改进，制定出更加适合自我提高、自我完善的战略，以更加开放包容的心态有效回应社会需求，担负起社会责任和历史使命。

(III) Strengthen Historical Consciousness, Manifest the Powerful Force of the Spiritual Lineage of Chinese Communists Originating from the Great Founding Spirit of the Party

（三）增强历史自觉，展现以伟大建党精神为源头的中国共产党人精神谱系的强大力量

Great undertakings give birth to great spirits. In 2021, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee officially confirmed and announced the first batch of great spirits included in the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists. [19]19 The “spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists” (中国共产党人精神谱系) is a list of 46 specific revolutionary and construction-era spirits (e.g., the Jinggangshan spirit, the Yan’an spirit) officially compiled by the CPC in 2021 to encapsulate its ideological heritage. These spirits contain powerful forces behind them, connecting the spiritual thread of the Party’s century-long struggle. “Generations of Chinese Communists, fearing no difficulties and obstacles, facing risks and challenges head-on, tenaciously striving and unremittingly struggling, have demonstrated a great historical initiative spirit and constructed the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists.” Drawing the power of initiative from the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists originating from the great founding spirit of the Party manifests the CPC’s creative application and innovative development of the historical initiative spirit.

伟大事业孕育伟大精神。2021年，中共中央宣传部正式确认并公布了首批列入中国共产党人精神谱系的伟大精神，这些精神背后蕴含着强大的力量，连缀着党的百年奋斗的精神脉络。“一代又一代中国共产党人不畏艰难险阻、直面风险挑战，顽强拼搏、不懈奋斗，展现出伟大的历史主动精神，构筑起中国共产党人的精神谱系。”从以伟大建党精神为源头的中国共产党人精神谱系中汲取主动的力量，彰显出中国共产党人对历史主动精神的创造性运用和创新性发展。

The relationship between the historical initiative spirit and the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists is one of dialectical unity. The great historical initiative spirit gives birth to the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists, and the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists manifests the core of the historical initiative spirit while simultaneously providing Chinese Communists with the spiritual strength to exert historical initiative. To a certain extent, the historical initiative spirit can also be regarded as the concrete embodiment and development of the great founding spirit of the Party in the New Era. This spiritual force is an important driving force for promoting the Party’s continuous growth and overcoming all difficulties and challenges, manifesting the Party’s great strength and indomitable fighting spirit. In the New Era, it is necessary to draw the power of initiative from the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists originating from the great founding spirit of the Party, and to unleash the power of great spirits including the historical initiative spirit. It is necessary to understand and master the essential meaning and core values of the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists, strengthen historical consciousness, make greater efforts to further promote the great founding spirit of the Party, and respond to risks and challenges with greater composure on the path forward.

历史主动精神和中国共产党人精神谱系的关系是辩证统一的。伟大的历史主动精神孕育中国共产党人精神谱系，中国共产党人精神谱系彰显历史主动精神的内核，同时给予中国共产党人发挥历史主动的精神力量。在一定程度上，历史主动精神也可以被视为伟大建党精神在新时代的具体体现和发展。这种精神力量是推动党不断发展壮大、战胜一切困难和挑战的重要动力源泉，彰显了党的伟大力量与坚韧不拔的斗志。新时代，要从以伟大建党精神为源头的中国共产党人精神谱系中汲取主动的力量，发挥出包括历史主动精神在内的伟大精神力量。要认识和掌握中国共产党人精神谱系的精髓要义和核心价值，增强历史自觉，在进一步弘扬中国共产党伟大建党精神上下气力，在前进道路上更加从容不迫地应对风险挑战。

(IV) Respect the Principal Position of the People, Draw Extraordinary Wisdom from the Industrious and Courageous Chinese People

（四）尊重人民主体地位，从勤劳勇敢的中国人民中汲取非凡智慧

Responding to the expectations and needs of the people is the prerequisite for drawing the wisdom of initiative from the Chinese people. The historic transformations of the New Era over more than a decade have brought confidence to the Chinese people. The industrious and courageous Chinese people are closely united, devoting themselves wholeheartedly to the great practice of the New Era with high morale, full enthusiasm, and solid work. The Chinese people are the source of wisdom, and the wisdom of the Chinese people is a key force in promoting the historical initiative spirit. “It is necessary to fully stimulate the historical initiative spirit of all the people. The people, and only the people, are the driving force creating world history.” The industrious and courageous Chinese people love life; their yearning for a better life is firmer, and their demands for a happy life are more diverse. For the long-term ruling CPC, the expectations and needs of the people reflect the true state and direction of progress of social development. Therefore, Chinese Communists must go deep into the grassroots and among the masses, understand the expectations and needs of the masses, and provide material and spiritual guarantees for stimulating the enthusiasm and creativity of the people.

回应人民群众的期盼和需要是从中国人民中汲取主动智慧的前提。新时代十余年的历史性变革给中国人民带来了信心，勤劳勇敢的中国人民紧紧团结在一起，以昂扬的斗志、饱满的热情、扎实的工作，全身心投入到新时代的伟大实践中去。中国人民是智慧的源泉，中国人民的智慧是发扬历史主动精神的关键力量。“要充分激发全体人民的历史主动精神。人民，只有人民，才是创造世界历史的动力。”勤劳勇敢的中国人民热爱生活，他们对美好生活的向往更加坚定，对幸福生活的需求更加多样。对于长期执政的中国共产党而言，人民的期盼和需要反映了社会发展的真实状况和进步方向。因此，中国共产党人要深入基层、深入群众，了解群众的期盼和需要，为激发人民群众的积极性和创造力提供物质和精神保障。

It is necessary to fully explore and learn from the unique insights and strengths of different groups. The industrious and courageous Chinese people are the key to promoting comprehensive social progress and innovative development. The masses have accumulated rich wisdom and experience in the long-term practice of production and life, possessing unlimited development potential. Although different groups may differ greatly in aspects such as age, cultural background, and occupational category, they have all made contributions of varying degrees to the development and progress of the Chinese nation. In April 2013, when Xi Jinping met with representatives of national model workers, he emphasized the need to work with real effort, stating, “On the journey toward the future, we must fully leverage the important role of our country’s working class, inspire their historical initiative spirit, and mobilize their enthusiasm for labor and creation.” [20]20 Xi Jinping, “Speech at a Symposium with National Model Worker Representatives” (April 28, 2013), in *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, vol. 1 (Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2014), p. 45. In December 2021, when Xi Jinping spoke with representatives of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Chinese Writers Association, he stated that literary and art workers need to respond to the call of the times and fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing the need to “actively devote themselves to building a socialist cultural power with a strong historical initiative spirit.” [21]21 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th National Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the 10th National Congress of the Chinese Writers Association” (December 14, 2021), in *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, vol. 4 (Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2022), p. 320.

要充分发掘并学习不同群体的独特见解和力量。勤劳勇敢的中国人民是推动社会全面进步和创新发展的关键所在。人民群众在长期生产生活的实践中积累了丰富的智慧、经验，具有无限的发展潜能。虽然不同群体可能在年龄阶段、文化背景、职业类别等各方面存在较大差异，但是他们都为中华民族的发展进步作出了不同程度的贡献。2013年4月，习近平在同全国劳动模范代表座谈时强调，要真抓实干，“在迈向未来的征程上，我们必须充分发挥我国工人阶级的重要作用，焕发他们的历史主动精神，调动劳动和创造的积极性”。2021年12月，习近平在与中国文学艺术界联合会和中国作家协会的代表讲话时表示，文艺工作者需要响应时代的召唤，履行他们的责任，强调要“以强烈的历史主动精神，积极投身社会主义文化强国建设”。

Based on the profound changes in the world situation, national conditions, Party conditions, and popular sentiment, the CPC fully recognizes, analyzes, and evaluates the important role of historical initiative at major historical junctures, further strengthening its determination and will to promote the historical initiative spirit. Continuing to promote the historical initiative spirit is the CPC’s proactive response to the world situation, national conditions, Party conditions, and popular sentiment, and an accurate grasp of historical laws. Specifically, the historical initiative spirit injects powerful spiritual momentum into forging the CPC into a vanguard that bravely stands at the forefront of the times; provides powerful spiritual strength for meeting the people’s needs and aspirations for a better life; provides spiritual support for realizing the great leap of the Chinese nation from standing up and growing rich to becoming strong; and provides a spiritual banner for leading the trend of the times and promoting the progress of human civilization. The great practice of the historical initiative spirit in the New Era has injected inexhaustible momentum into the development of the Party and the country, contributed wisdom and strength to human progress, and manifested the CPC’s lofty aspirations and profound sentiments of seeking happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, progress for humanity, and harmony for the world. On the new journey of the New Era, China is in a new historical juncture. The increasingly complex domestic and international situations pose unprecedented challenges to the long-term ruling CPC. “As long as we grasp the general trend of historical development, seize the opportunity of historical change, strive with vigor, and forge ahead with determination, human society can advance better.” [22]22 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China” (July 1, 2016), in *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, vol. 2 ( Facing the changes unseen in a century in the world, the CPC will, with a more proactive spirit, answer the questions of China, the world, the people, and the times, contributing wisdom and strength to solving the key question of “where human civilization is heading.”

中国共产党基于世情国情党情民情的深刻变化，充分认识、分析和评价历史主动性在重大历史关头的重要作用，更加坚定了弘扬历史主动精神的决心意志。继续弘扬历史主动精神是中国共产党对世情国情党情民情的主动回应，是对历史规律的准确把握。具体而言，历史主动精神为把中国共产党锻造成为勇立时代潮头的先锋队注入了强大的精神动力；为满足人民对美好生活的需求和向往提供了强大的精神力量；为实现中华民族从站起来、富起来到强起来的伟大飞跃提供了精神支撑；为引领时代发展潮流、推动人类文明进步提供了精神旗帜。历史主动精神在新时代的伟大实践为党和国家的发展注入了不竭的动力，为人类的进步贡献了智慧和力量，展现出中国共产党为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴、为人类谋进步、为世界谋大同的远大志向和深厚情怀。新时代新征程上，中国处于新的历史方位，日益复杂的国内外形势给长期执政的中国共产党带来前所未有的挑战，“只要把握住历史发展大势，抓住历史变革时机，奋发有为，锐意进取，人类社会就能更好前进”。面对世界百年未有之大变局，中国共产党将以更为主动的精神，回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，为解决“人类文明向何处去”的关键问题贡献智慧和力量。

(Author Biographies: Ding Junping, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Marxism, Wuhan University, Director of the Institute of Political Parties at Wuhan University, Researcher at the Center for Studies of Intra-Party Regulations at Wuhan University; Yang Yating, Doctoral Candidate in the History of the Communist Party of China at the School of Marxism, Wuhan University)

（作者简介：丁俊萍，武汉大学马克思主义学院教授、博士生导师，武汉大学政党研究所所长，武汉大学党内法规研究中心研究员；杨亚婷，武汉大学马克思主义学院中共党史专业博士研究生）

Online Editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心