The Common Traits of the Spiritual Pedigree of Chinese Communists

In September 2021, with the approval of the Party Central Committee, the first batch of great spirits incorporated into the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, as compiled by the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, was officially announced. These great spirits are precious spiritual wealth formed by Chinese Communists in the practice of revolution, construction, and reform; they are precious spiritual wealth generated by combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the fine traditional Chinese culture. They possess both distinct connotations and common traits.

2021年9月，经党中央批准，中共中央宣传部梳理的第一批纳入中国共产党人精神谱系的伟大精神正式公布。这些伟大精神是中国共产党人在革命、建设、改革实践中形成的宝贵精神财富，是马克思主义基本原理同中国具体实际相结合、同中华优秀传统文化相结合产生的宝贵精神财富，既有不同内涵，也有共同特质。

First, firm ideals and convictions. Ideals and convictions are the political soul of our Party and the spiritual pillar that enables Chinese Communists to withstand various tests. The great spirits formed by our Party in leading the people through practice embody the lofty ideals and steadfast convictions of the CPC and Chinese Communists. For example, the great founding spirit of the Party, which includes “upholding truth and坚守 ideals,” and the Long March spirit, which includes “placing the fundamental interests of the entire nation and the Chinese people above all else, firmly believing in revolutionary ideals and convictions, and firmly believing that the just cause will inevitably triumph,” all reflect faith in Marxism and belief in socialism and communism. Ideals and convictions concern the worldview, outlook on life, and value system of Chinese Communists; they determine the direction and stance of Chinese Communists, as well as their words and actions. Ideals and convictions provide a solid ideological foundation for our Party to unite and lead the people in continuously advancing the cause of the Party and the state, inspiring generations of Chinese Communists to strive unremittingly for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

一是坚定理想信念。理想信念是我们党的政治灵魂，是中国共产党人经受住各种考验的精神支柱。我们党领导人民在实践中形成的伟大精神，蕴含着中国共产党和中国共产党人的远大理想和执着信念。例如，伟大建党精神“坚持真理、坚守理想”，长征精神“把全国人民和中华民族的根本利益看得高于一切，坚定革命的理想和信念，坚信正义事业必然胜利的精神”等，都体现着对马克思主义的信仰，对社会主义和共产主义的信念。理想信念关系着中国共产党人的世界观、人生观、价值观问题，决定着中国共产党人的方向和立场，决定着中国共产党人的言论和行动。理想信念为我们党团结带领人民不断把党和国家事业推向前进提供了坚实思想基础，激励着一代又一代中国共产党人为实现中华民族伟大复兴奋斗到底。

Second, unwavering loyalty to the Party. Loyalty to the Party is a basic requirement of our Party for its members and an excellent character that Chinese Communists must possess. Our Party has united and led the people through countless hardships and trials, overcoming various difficulties and enemies, precisely because of the absolute loyalty of the vast majority of Party members to the Party. For example, the great founding spirit of the Party, which includes “being loyal to the Party and living up to the people’s trust,” and the Long March spirit, which includes “the spirit of taking the overall situation into account, strictly observing discipline, and maintaining close unity,” all embody loyalty to the Party. Loyalty to the Party is the source of strength for a Marxist political party and a major advantage of our Party. Whether making decisions, handling affairs, thinking about problems, or conducting research, Chinese Communists must proceed from the perspective of the entire Party, stand on the side of the Party and the people, give full play to their vanguard and exemplary role, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

二是始终对党忠诚。对党忠诚是我们党对党员的基本要求，是中国共产党人必须具备的优秀品格。我们党团结带领人民一路走来，经历了无数艰险和磨难，战胜了各种困难和敌人，靠的就是广大党员对党绝对忠诚。例如，伟大建党精神“对党忠诚、不负人民”，长征精神“顾全大局、严守纪律、紧密团结的精神”等，都体现了对党忠诚。对党忠诚是马克思主义政党的力量所在，也是我们党的一大优势。中国共产党人无论是作决策、办事情，还是想问题、搞研究，都必须从全党考虑，站在党和人民的立场上，充分发挥先锋模范作用，为实现中华民族伟大复兴贡献力量。

Third, fulfilling the original aspiration and founding mission. The Party’s original aspiration and founding mission are the concentrated expression of the Party’s nature, purpose, ideals, convictions, and goals; they are the fundamental driving force that inspires Communists to keep moving forward. For example, the great founding spirit of the Party, which includes “fulfilling the original aspiration and shouldering the founding mission,” and the spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japan, which includes “the patriotic sentiment that ‘everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the nation’” and “the national integrity of facing death unflinchingly and preferring death to surrender,” are all models of fulfilling the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission. The entire Party must keep in mind the fundamental question of what the Communist Party is and what it is to do, bear in mind the original aspiration and founding mission, continue to achieve good results on the new road of the examination [n], and display a new image and new achievements on the new journey of the New Era.

三是践行初心使命。党的初心和使命是我们党的性质宗旨、理想信念、奋斗目标的集中体现，是激励共产党人不断前进的根本动力。例如，伟大建党精神“践行初心、担当使命”，抗战精神“天下兴亡、匹夫有责的爱国情怀”“视死如归、宁死不屈的民族气节”等，都是践行党的初心使命的典范。全党要牢记共产党是什么、要干什么这个根本问题，牢记初心使命，在新的赶考之路上继续考出好成绩，在新时代新征程上展现新气象新作为。

Fourth, adhering to seeking truth from facts. Seeking truth from facts is the fundamental viewpoint of Marxism, the essence of the theoretical achievements of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, and the basic leadership method, thinking method, and working method of our Party. For example, the Jinggangshan spirit, which includes “seeking truth from facts,” and the Yan’an spirit, which includes “the ideological line of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts,” all adhere to and implement seeking truth from facts. Seeking truth from facts is the ideological line of our Party and the fundamental requirement for Chinese Communists to understand and transform the world. We must diligently study Marxism and the theoretical achievements of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, be adept at using Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods to analyze and solve practical problems we face, and continuously strive to create new prospects in all aspects of work through the practice of solving new problems.

四是坚持实事求是。实事求是是马克思主义的根本观点，是马克思主义中国化理论成果的精髓，是我们党的基本领导方法、思想方法、工作方法。例如，井冈山精神“实事求是”，延安精神“解放思想、实事求是的思想路线”等，都坚持贯彻实事求是。实事求是是我们党的思想路线，是中国共产党人认识世界、改造世界的根本要求。我们要努力学习马克思主义和马克思主义中国化的理论成果，善于运用马克思主义立场、观点、方法分析和解决面临的实际问题，不断在解决新问题的实践中努力开创各项工作新局面。

Fifth, serving the people. It is by adhering to the purpose of serving the people that our Party has maintained the closest ties with the masses, uniting and leading them to change the destiny and future of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation. For example, the Soviet Area spirit, which includes “wholeheartedly serving the people” and “being honest and upright,” and the Zhaojin spirit, which includes “the work style of taking root among the masses,” all embody the Party’s purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly. Serving the people is a distinctive hallmark that distinguishes the CPC from other political parties; it is the lifeline and important heirloom that keeps our Party perpetually vigorous and combat-effective.

五是坚持为人民服务。我们党正是依靠为人民服务的宗旨，始终保持了同人民群众最密切的联系，团结带领人民改变了中国人民和中华民族的前途和命运。例如，苏区精神“一心为民”“清正廉洁”，照金精神“扎根群众的工作作风” 等，都体现着党的全心全意为人民服务的宗旨。为人民服务是中国共产党区别于其他政党的显著标志，是我们党永葆青春活力和战斗力的生命线和重要传家宝。

Sixth, daring to pioneer and innovate. Pioneering and innovating is the soul of national progress, the inexhaustible driving force for national prosperity and strength, and the source of a political party’s enduring vitality. For example, the Special Economic Zone spirit, which includes “daring to venture, daring to try, and daring to be the first,” and the Manned Spaceflight spirit, which includes “being especially capable of tackling key problems,” are both embodiments and models of the spirit of pioneering and innovation. Pioneering and innovating is the driving force for our Party’s continuous growth and strengthening, and it is the historical responsibility that Chinese Communists should bear.

六是勇于开拓创新。开拓创新是民族进步的灵魂，是国家兴旺发达的不竭动力，也是政党永葆生机的源泉。例如，特区精神“敢闯敢试、敢为人先”，载人航天精神“特别能攻关”等，都是开拓创新精神的体现和典范。开拓创新是我们党不断发展壮大的动力，是中国共产党人应该具有的历史担当。

Seventh, hard work and plain living. Hard work and plain living are a traditional virtue and excellent quality of the Chinese nation, as well as the traditional style and political本色 of our Party. For example, the Yan’an spirit, which includes “the entrepreneurial spirit of self-reliance and hard struggle,” and the Nanniwan spirit, which includes “doing it ourselves to ensure ample food and clothing, working hard, and striving for victory,” are all typical examples and models of hard work and plain living. The Party thrives through hard struggle, the nation grows strong through hard struggle, and individuals establish themselves through hard struggle.

七是艰苦奋斗。艰苦奋斗是中华民族的传统美德和优秀品质，是我们党的传统作风和政治本色。例如，延安精神“自力更生、艰苦奋斗的创业精神”，南泥湾精神“自己动手、丰衣足食、艰苦奋斗、夺取胜利”等，都是艰苦奋斗的典型和表率。党以艰苦奋斗而兴，国以艰苦奋斗而强，人以艰苦奋斗而立。

Eighth, daring to struggle. Daring to struggle and daring to win are the political advantages of our Party and the distinct political character of Chinese Communists. For example, the great founding spirit of the Party, which includes “fearing no sacrifice and fighting valiantly,” and the Old Tibet spirit, which includes “being especially capable of fighting,” all embody the spirit of daring to struggle. Daring to struggle is a powerful spiritual driving force for our Party to lead the people in continuously advancing the cause of the Party and the state.

八是敢于斗争。敢于斗争、敢于胜利，是我们党的政治优势，也是中国共产党人鲜明的政治品格。例如，伟大建党精神“不怕牺牲、英勇斗争”，老西藏精神“特别能战斗”等，都体现了敢于斗争的精神。敢于斗争是我们党带领人民推进党和国家事业不断前进的强大精神动力。

Ninth, dedication and sacrifice. Dedication and sacrifice are a fine tradition of the Chinese nation and the political character of Chinese Communists. The history of our Party is a history of selfless dedication and heroic sacrifice for national liberation, national prosperity and strength, and the happiness of the people. For example, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army spirit, which includes “the national righteousness of bravely facing national calamity,” and the spirit of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, which includes “the revolutionary heroism of being brave and tenacious, and sacrificing one’s life fearlessly,” are concrete manifestations of the spirit of dedication and sacrifice. Sacrifice and dedication are the fundamental value orientation of Chinese Communists and an inevitable requirement for fulfilling the Party’s fundamental purpose and fine style.

九是奉献牺牲。奉献牺牲是中华民族的优良传统，是中国共产党人的政治品格。我们党的历史是一部为民族解放、国家富强、人民幸福而无私奉献、英勇牺牲的历史。例如，东北抗联精神“勇赴国难的民族大义”，抗美援朝精神“英勇顽强、舍生忘死的革命英雄主义精神”等，都是奉献牺牲精神的具体体现。牺牲奉献是中国共产党人的根本价值取向，是践行党的根本宗旨和优良作风的必然要求。

Tenth, unity and cooperation. Unity and cooperation are the foundation of all undertakings of the Party and the state, and an important magic weapon for Chinese Communists to continuously achieve victory. For example, the Zunyi Conference spirit, which includes “independence and self-reliance” and “unity and solidarity,” the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” spirit, which includes “vigorous coordination and daring to scale new heights,” the spirit of the fight against poverty, which includes “unity of purpose from top to bottom,” and the Silk Road spirit, which includes “peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit,” all embody the spirit of unity and cooperation. Unity and cooperation is the way our Party achieves victory.

十是团结合作。团结合作是党和国家各项事业的基础，是中国共产党人不断取得胜利的重要法宝。例如，遵义会议精神“独立自主”“团结统一”，“两弹一星”精神“大力协同、勇于登攀”，脱贫攻坚精神“上下同心”，丝路精神“和平合作、开放包容、互学互鉴、互利共赢”等，都体现了团结合作的精神。团结合作是我们党的制胜之道。

The reasons why the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists possesses common traits are manifold. These great spirits were formed by Communists in practice, concentratedly embodying our Party’s firm convictions, fundamental purpose, and fine style, and condensing the great character of hard struggle, sacrifice and dedication, and pioneering and innovation of Communists; they are the inheritance and development of the great founding spirit of the Party, running through its red bloodline, and are the application and development of the great founding spirit in practice; they are the promotion and embodiment of the Chinese national spirit, manifesting the great creative spirit, great struggle spirit, great unity spirit, and great dream spirit of the Chinese nation, and reflecting the values and moral views accumulated by the Chinese people in their long-term production and life.

中国共产党人精神谱系之所以有着共同特质，原因是多方面的。它是共产党人在实践中形成的伟大精神，集中体现了我们党的坚定信念、根本宗旨、优良作风，凝聚着共产党人艰苦奋斗、牺牲奉献、开拓进取的伟大品格；它是伟大建党精神的继承和发扬，贯穿着伟大建党精神的红色血脉，是伟大建党精神在实践中的运用和发展；它是中华民族精神的弘扬和体现，彰显了中华民族的伟大创造精神、伟大奋斗精神、伟大团结精神、伟大梦想精神，体现了中国人民在长期生产生活中积累的价值观、道德观。

(The author is Director and Senior Editor of the Seventh Research Department of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee.)

（作者系中央党史和文献研究院第七研究部主任、编审）

Online Editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心