The Theoretical Connotation, Value Implication and Practical Requirements of “Not Believing in Evil, Not Fearing Ghosts, Not Being Afraid of Pressure”

“Not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” is forged into the great founding spirit of the Party, runs through the Party’s spiritual genealogy, and is a concentrated expression of the fighting spirit. General Secretary Xi Jinping elaborated on it for the first time in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, stating: “We must fortify the ambition, backbone and confidence of the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure… and relying on tenacious struggle to open up new horizons for the development of our cause.” This fully embodies the self-confidence, self-reliance, and vigorous and enterprising spiritual demeanor of Chinese Communists, and manifests the vigilance and self-awareness of the century-old Party under the historical circumstances of the “two overall situations” [1]1 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) for the training class of young and middle-aged cadres in the autumn semester of 2021.. In-depth research on the theoretical connotation, value implication and practical requirements of this important thought of “not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” has significant theoretical and practical significance.

“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”熔铸于伟大建党精神，贯通于党的精神谱系，是斗争精神的集中表现。习近平总书记在党的二十大报告中对其进行了首次阐述，即“增强全党全国各族人民的志气、骨气、底气，不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压……依靠顽强斗争打开事业发展新天地”,这充分体现了中国共产党人自信自强、踔厉奋发的精神风貌，彰显了百年大党在“两个大局”历史境遇下的警醒自觉。深入研究“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”这一重要思想的理论内涵、价值意蕴及实践要求有着重要的理论和现实意义。

I. The Theoretical Connotation of “Not Believing in Evil, Not Fearing Ghosts, Not Being Afraid of Pressure”

一、“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”的理论内涵

“Not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” is a spiritual main line running through the century-long struggle history of the CPC, and is the spiritual weapon by which the CPC grew from small to large and from weak to strong. “Not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” has specific and rich connotations. Deeply grasping its spiritual essence and core meaning is the prerequisite for firmly practicing this thought.

“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”是贯穿中国共产党百年斗争史的一条精神主线，是中国共产党从小到大、由弱变强的精神武器。“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”有着特定的丰富内涵，深刻把握其精神实质和核心要义，是坚定践行这一思想的前提。

(A) “Not Believing in Evil”: Adhering to Truth, Maintaining Independence and Self-Reliance

(一)“不信邪”:坚持真理、独立自主

“Not believing in evil” is a political discourse symbolizing the ambition of Chinese Communists. “Not believing in evil” refers to the spiritual demeanor displayed by Chinese Communists, guided by Marxism, in independently exploring the Chinese path to realize the lofty aspiration of communism, concentratedly manifested as adhering to truth and maintaining independence and self-reliance. To deeply grasp the meaning of this political discourse, it is necessary to understand it in conjunction with the relevant expositions of Chinese Communists on “not believing in evil.” “Not believing in evil” was first proposed by Mao Zedong. “During the War of Liberation, the Kuomintang Chiang Kai-shek, citing the ancient maxim ‘There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two kings over the people’ (Mencius, Wan Zhang I), attempted to carry out dictatorial rule.” Mao Zedong righteously and fearlessly declared: “I do not believe in evil; I insist on bringing out two suns for him to see.” This fully embodies the heroic spirit of Chinese Communists in adhering to truth and daring to struggle in the face of power. Facing the poverty and backwardness in the early days of the founding of New China, Mao Zedong boldly pointed out: “Can it be that these six hundred million ‘paupers’ cannot, through their own efforts, become a rich and powerful country within a few decades?” In socialist construction, he repeatedly emphasized: “China’s problems can only be solved by the Chinese people themselves.” Deng Xiaoping explicitly linked “not believing in evil” with independence and self-reliance. In 1989, facing the Western anti-China wave, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “We ourselves must maintain vigilance and must not relax. We must uphold our image of independence and self-reliance, not believing in evil, and not fearing ghosts.” At the turn of the century, Jiang Zemin proposed: “To maintain revolutionary integrity means to be loyal to the cause of the Party and the people under any circumstances… not fearing ghosts, not believing in evil, adhering to truth, upholding the Party’s principles, and fighting clearly against various erroneous ideas, unhealthy tendencies, and evil forces.” Jiang Zemin linked “not believing in evil” with adhering to truth, laying the spiritual keynote for “not believing in evil.”

“不信邪”是象征中国共产党人志气的政治话语。“不信邪”是指中国共产党人在马克思主义指引下，为实现共产主义远大志向，独立自主探索中国道路所焕发出的精神风貌，集中表现为坚持真理、独立自主。深刻把握这一政治话语的意蕴，需结合中国共产党人“不信邪”的相关论述进行理解。“不信邪”最初由毛泽东提出，“解放战争时期，国民党蒋介石打出‘天无二日，民无二王’(《孟子·万章上》)的古训企图进行独裁统治”,毛泽东正义凛然地提出：“我不信邪，偏要出两个太阳给他看看”,充分体现了中国共产党人在强权面前坚持真理、敢于斗争的英雄气魄。面对新中国成立初期的贫穷落后，毛泽东豪迈地指出：“难道六万万穷棒子不能在几十年内，由于自己的努力，变成一个又富又强的国家吗?”在社会主义建设中，他又反复强调：“中国的问题只能由中国人解决。”邓小平明确将“不信邪”同独立自主相联系。1989年，邓小平在面对西方的反华浪潮时指出：“我们自己要保持警惕，放松不得。要维护我们独立自主、不信邪、不怕鬼的形象。”世纪之交，江泽民提出：“保持革命气节，就要做到无论在任何情况下都忠诚于党和人民的事业……不怕鬼，不信邪，坚持真理，维护党的原则，旗帜鲜明地同各种错误思想、不良倾向和邪恶势力作斗争。”江泽民将“不信邪”与坚持真理相联系，奠定了“不信邪”的精神基调。

Adhering to truth is the fundamental prerequisite for independence and self-reliance, and independence and self-reliance is the concrete expression of adhering to truth. Together, they construct the ambitious image of Chinese Communists “not believing in evil.” Adhering to truth is not a rigid copy of truth, but the combination of universal truth with concrete reality. Independence and self-reliance means persisting in independent thinking and self-reliance, placing the foothold of development on relying on one’s own strength. For a hundred years, Chinese Communists have always “not believed in evil” and unswervingly “walked their own path.” During the period of the New Democratic Revolution, Mao Zedong did not blindly believe in the “urban center theory” and led the people to blaze the correct path of encircling the cities from the countryside. During the period of socialist revolution and construction, Mao Zedong proposed “taking the Soviet Union as a mirror” and led the people to blaze an industrialization path different from that of the Soviet Union. Facing pressure from the Soviet Union, he adhered to principles, dared to confront tough opponents, and safeguarded national sovereignty and development interests. During the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, Chinese Communists independently explored the path of reform and opening up. From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, the Soviet Union disintegrated and the Eastern European socialist regimes collapsed, and the rhetoric “Marxism has gone bankrupt, socialism has failed” at home and abroad became rampant. But Deng Xiaoping firmly believed that “there will be more people in the world who approve of Marxism, because Marxism is a science,” and led the people to successfully blaze the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In the New Era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core creatively proposed the “Two Integrations” [2]2 “As if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss” (如临深渊、如履薄冰) is a classical Chinese idiom from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经》), expressing extreme caution., achieving a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. It adhered to independently exploring the path of Chinese-path modernization, successfully advanced and expanded Chinese-path modernization, and created a new form of human civilization.

坚持真理是独立自主的根本前提，独立自主是坚持真理的具体表达，两者共同建构了中国共产党人“不信邪”的志气形象。坚持真理不是对真理的刻板复制，而是普遍真理与具体实际相结合。独立自主即坚持独立思考、自力更生，把发展的立足点放在依靠自己的力量上。百年来，中国共产党人始终“不信邪”,坚定不移地“走自己的路”。新民主主义革命时期，毛泽东不迷信“城市中心论”,领导人民走出了农村包围城市的正确道路。社会主义革命和建设时期，毛泽东提出“以苏为鉴”,领导人民走出了不同于苏联的工业化道路。面对苏联的威压，坚持原则、敢于碰硬，维护了国家主权和发展利益。改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，中国共产党人独立自主探索改革开放之路。20世纪80年代末至90年代初，苏联解体、东欧剧变，国内外“马克思主义破产了，社会主义失败了”的言论甚嚣尘上。但邓小平坚信“世界上赞成马克思主义的人会多起来，因为马克思主义是科学”,并带领人民成功走出了中国特色社会主义道路。新时代，以习近平同志为核心的党中央创造性地提出了“两个结合”,实现了马克思主义中国化新的飞跃。坚持独立自主探索中国式现代化道路，成功推进和拓展了中国式现代化，创造了人类文明新形态。

(B) “Not Fearing Ghosts”: Revolutionary Prestige, Tactical Skill

(二)“不怕鬼”:革命威势、策略本领

“Not fearing ghosts” is a political discourse symbolizing the backbone of Chinese Communists. “Not fearing ghosts” refers to the spiritual demeanor displayed by Chinese Communists in daring to struggle and being good at struggle when facing various difficulties and obstacles for the development of the socialist cause, concentratedly manifested as revolutionary prestige and tactical skill. To deeply grasp the meaning of this political discourse, it is necessary to understand it in conjunction with the relevant expositions of Chinese Communists on “not fearing ghosts.” From the late 1950s to the 1960s, in order to resist threats and pressures from multiple sides and enhance confidence in building the socialist cause, Mao Zedong made a series of expositions on “not fearing ghosts” and proposed compiling a booklet titled “Not Fearing Ghosts.” “Not fearing ghosts” was proposed by Mao Zedong. The “ghosts” in his political discourse system do not merely refer to supernatural ghosts and gods in the superstitious sense, but generally refer to “all enemies, opponents, and difficulties.” In May 1959, regarding the previously occurred Tibetan rebellion and the tense Sino-Indian relations, Mao Zedong, when meeting with Soviet and other visiting delegations and foreign envoys to China, clearly expressed his attitude towards “ghosts,” namely, “The more you fear ghosts, the more ghosts there will be; if you don’t fear ghosts, there will be no ghosts.” In January 1961, when meeting with He Qifang [3]3 “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs” (调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道) is a common formulation in CPC discourse, emphasizing the importance of empirical investigation. and discussing the preface to “Not Fearing Ghosts,” Mao Zedong further pointed out the method for dealing with “ghosts”: “Besides despising them strategically, we must also pay attention to tactics. For specific ghosts, for each individual ghost, we must make a concrete analysis, pay attention to tactics, and take them seriously. Otherwise, we cannot defeat them.” In April 1989, facing the turmoil in Eastern European socialist countries, Deng Xiaoping proposed: “We must uphold our image of independence and self-reliance, not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts… Our foundation is good, it was built up over decades of fighting. This prestige must be passed down to future generations and maintained. This is our capital.” Deng Xiaoping linked “not fearing ghosts” with revolutionary prestige, laying the spiritual keynote for “not fearing ghosts.”

“不怕鬼”是象征中国共产党人骨气的政治话语。“不怕鬼”是指中国共产党人为发展社会主义事业，在面对各种艰难险阻时表现出来的敢于斗争、善于斗争的精神风貌，集中表现为革命威势、策略本领。深刻把握这一政治话语的意蕴，需结合中国共产党人关于“不怕鬼”的相关论述进行理解。20世纪50年代末至60年代，为抵御来自多方的威胁和压力，增强建设社会主义事业的信心，毛泽东对“不怕鬼”进行了一系列论述，并提议编一本《不怕鬼》的册子。“不怕鬼”是由毛泽东提出的，其政治话语体系中的“鬼”并非单指迷信意义上的鬼神，而是泛指“一切敌人、对手和困难”。1959年5月，针对先前发生的西藏叛乱及趋于紧张的中印关系，毛泽东在会见苏联等访华代表团和驻华使节时明确表达了对待“鬼”的态度，即“越怕鬼就越有鬼，不怕鬼就没有鬼了”。1961年1月，毛泽东在会见何其芳谈论《不怕鬼》的序言问题时，进一步指出了应对“鬼”的方法：“除了战略上藐视，还要讲战术上的重视。对具体的鬼，对一个一个的鬼，要具体分析，要讲究战术，要重视。不然，就打不败它。”1989年4月，邓小平在面对东欧社会主义国家动乱时提出：“要维护我们独立自主、不信邪、不怕鬼的形象……我们的基础好，是几十年打出来的，这个威势一直要传到后代，保持下去，这是本钱。”邓小平将“不怕鬼”与革命威势相联系，奠定了“不怕鬼”的精神基调。

The revolutionary momentum is the prerequisite for "not fearing ghosts," and strategic capability is the key to "skillfully managing ghosts"; together, they construct the image of the backbone of Chinese Communists who "do not fear ghosts." First, the revolutionary momentum is concretely manifested in the Chinese Communists' revolutionary posture of daring to struggle and their revolutionary spirit of transcending life and death, tempered in the long-term revolutionary struggle. "We dare to make the sun and moon shine in a new sky with our sacrifice and ambition" is a vivid portrayal of the Chinese Communists represented by Mao Zedong who "do not fear ghosts." From Jiaxing's South Lake and the Nanchang Uprising, to the unprecedented Long March in history, and then to the armed struggle behind enemy lines during the War of Resistance and the "Three Great Campaigns" [1]1 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) for the training class of young and middle-aged cadres in the autumn semester of 2021. during the War of Liberation. From the Shikumen [2]2 “As if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss” (如临深渊、如履薄冰) is a classical Chinese idiom from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经》), expressing extreme caution. to Tiananmen, from Wangzhi Road [3]3 “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs” (调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道) is a common formulation in CPC discourse, emphasizing the importance of empirical investigation. to the Road of Rejuvenation, the Chinese Communists formed a revolutionary momentum over 28 years of bloody struggle. Second, strategic capability refers to the Chinese Communists' adept use of Marxism to understand and analyze the various "ghosts" on the path forward. First, thorough materialism provides the theoretical premise for Chinese Communists to break the "ghost system, which is generally referred to as the system of the underworld consisting of the King of Hell, the City God Temple, and the Earth God, as well as the system of immortals consisting of the Jade Emperor and various gods and spirits." [4]4 “Diagnosis and pulse-taking” (问诊把脉) is a metaphor drawn from traditional Chinese medicine, meaning to examine and analyze a problem carefully. Mao Zedong pointed out, "Marxism-Leninism teaches us not to be afraid of ghosts," and the tradition of "not fearing ghosts" "has existed since Marx." [5]5 “Sit firmly in the fishing boat despite the rising wind and waves” (任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼船) is a Chinese proverb meaning to remain calm and steady in the face of turmoil. Second, dialectical materialism provides scientific guidance for Chinese Communists to correctly analyze the "ghosts" on the path forward. For example, Mao Zedong pointed out, "Things always exchange positions with their opposites through struggle under certain conditions, transforming towards the position of their opposites," and so on. [6]6 The “Four Histories” (四史) refer to the history of the CPC, the history of the People’s Republic of China, the history of reform and opening up, and the history of the development of socialism.

革命威势是“不怕鬼”的前提，策略本领是“善治鬼”的关键，二者共同建构了中国共产党人“不怕鬼”的骨气形象。其一，革命威势具体表现为中国共产党人敢于斗争的革命姿态和旷达生死的革命气魄，淬炼于长期的革命斗争中。“为有牺牲多壮志，敢教日月换新天”,是以毛泽东为代表的中国共产党人“不怕鬼”的鲜明写照。从嘉兴南湖、南昌起义，到历史上绝无仅有的长征，再到抗战时期的敌后武装斗争和解放战争时期的“三大战役”。从石库门到天安门，从望志路到复兴路，中国共产党人在长达28年的浴血奋战中形成了革命威势。其二，策略本领指中国共产党人善用马克思主义认识和分析前进道路上的各种“鬼”。首先，彻底的唯物主义为中国共产党人打破“由阎罗天子、城隍庙王以至土地菩萨的阴间系统以及由玉皇大帝以至各种神怪的神仙系统一总称之为鬼神系统”提供了理论前提。毛泽东指出，“马列主义教我们别怕鬼”,“不怕鬼”的“这个传统从马克思起就有了的”。其次，辩证唯物主义为中国共产党人正确分析前进道路上的“鬼”提供了科学指引。如，毛泽东指出，“事物总是在一定的条件之下通过斗争同它的对方交换位置，向着它的对方的地位转化的”,等等。

(3) "Not Being Afraid of Pressure": Awareness of Potential Dangers and Bottom-Line Thinking

(三)“不怕压”:忧患意识、底线思维

"Not being afraid of pressure" is a political discourse symbolizing the confidence of Chinese Communists. "Not being afraid of pressure" refers to the mental state of Chinese Communists who, having made full preparations and proper plans in advance, show calm confidence when facing various pressures, which is centrally manifested as an awareness of potential dangers and bottom-line thinking. To deeply grasp the meaning of this political discourse, it is necessary to understand it in conjunction with General Secretary Xi Jinping's expositions on "not being afraid of pressure." Entering the New Era, Western countries led by the United States, in order to contain China's development, have listed China as a "primary competitor" and the "greatest geopolitical challenge," launching all-round suppression against China. In response, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "In the face of various external encirclement, suppression, sabotage, and subversive activities, we must carry forward the spirit of not believing in fallacies and not fearing ghosts, and fight to the end against all forces that attempt to subvert the leadership of the Communist Party of China and China's socialist system, and attempt to delay or even block the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." [7]7 “Red fighters” (红战士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are courageous in struggle, drawing on the revolutionary imagery of the “red” color symbolizing the CPC. In the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping further pointed out: "External suppression and containment may escalate at any time... we must strengthen our awareness of potential dangers, adhere to bottom-line thinking... and be prepared to withstand major tests of high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms." [8]8 “Red strategists” (红谋士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are skilled and strategic in struggle, combining the “red” political identity with the traditional Chinese concept of a strategist or advisor. This exposition established the spiritual tone of "not being afraid of pressure."

“不怕压”是象征中国共产党人底气的政治话语。“不怕压”是指中国共产党人事先准备充分、谋划得当，在面对各种压力时表现出来的成竹在胸的精神状态，集中表现为忧患意识、底线思维。深刻把握这一政治话语的意蕴，需结合习近平总书记关于“不怕压”的论述进行理解。进入新时代，以美国为首的西方国家为遏制我国发展，将我国列为“头号竞争对手”及“最大的地缘政治挑战”,对我国进行全方位的打压。对此，习近平总书记指出：“面对来自外部的各种围堵、打压、捣乱、颠覆活动，必须发扬不信邪、不怕鬼的精神，同企图颠覆中国共产党领导和我国社会主义制度，企图迟滞甚至阻断中华民族伟大复兴进程的一切势力斗争到底。”在党的二十大报告中，习近平总书记进一步指出：“来自外部的打压遏制随时可能升级……必须增强忧患意识，坚持底线思维……准备经受风高浪急甚至惊涛骇浪的重大考验。”这一论述奠定了“不怕压”的精神基调。

Awareness of potential dangers is the ideological guarantee for "not being afraid of pressure," and bottom-line thinking is the practical requirement for "not being afraid of pressure"; together, they construct the image of the confidence of Chinese Communists who are "not afraid of pressure." The awareness of potential dangers of Chinese Communists is manifested in considering the "worst possible scenario." Mao Zedong once pointed out: "Thinking from the worst possible scenario never hurts." [9]9 This is a paraphrase of Mao Zedong's strategic thinking on preparing for worst-case scenarios. Deng Xiaoping stated bluntly: "We must base our work on the possibility of relatively large risks." [10]10 This is a paraphrase of Deng Xiaoping's remarks on risk preparedness during the reform and opening up era. In the New Era, facing changes unseen in a century, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized: "We must prevent and control all kinds of risks, but the focus should be on preventing and controlling those overall risks that may delay or interrupt the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." [11]11 This is a paraphrase of Xi Jinping's emphasis on preventing systemic risks. The bottom-line thinking of Chinese Communists is manifested in "preparing for the worst" and "striving for the best results." "Not being afraid of pressure" requires not only adequate ideological preparation but also practical planning. Entering the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping creatively proposed bottom-line thinking, pointing out: "We must be adept at using the method of 'bottom-line thinking,' preparing for the worst in everything and striving for the best possible outcome." [12]12 This is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping's exposition on bottom-line thinking. Bottom-line thinking is a refinement and sublimation of the "worst possible scenario," and is more feasible in operation. On the one hand, "preparing for the worst" means fully considering various possible risks and making scientific plans on this basis; on the other hand, "striving for the best results" means drawing red lines, holding the bottom line, and on this basis, striving in a positive direction.

忧患意识是“不怕压”的思想保障，底线思维是“不怕压”的实践要求，二者共同建构了中国共产党人“不怕压”的底气形象。中国共产党人的忧患意识表现为考虑“最坏的可能性”。毛泽东曾指出：“从最坏的可能性着想，总不吃亏。”邓小平直言：“我们要把工作的基点放在出现较大的风险上。”新时代，面对百年未有之大变局，习近平总书记反复强调：“各种风险我们都要防控，但重点要防控那些可能迟滞或中断中华民族伟大复兴的全局性风险。”中国共产党人的底线思维表现为“从最坏处准备”,“争取最好的结果”。“不怕压”不仅需要做足思想准备，还要做好实践谋划。进入新时代，习近平总书记创造性地提出了底线思维，他指出：“要善于运用‘底线思维’的方法，凡事从坏处准备，努力争取最好的结果。”底线思维是对“最坏的可能性”的凝练和升华，在操作上更具可行性。一方面，“从最坏处准备”就是要充分考虑到各种可能出现的风险，并在此基础上做好科学谋划；另一方面，“争取最好的结果”就是要划定红线、守住底线，并在此基础上向好的方向努力。

In summary, "not believing in fallacies, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure" are both distinct from each other and integrated as one, constituting a theoretical system with rich connotations, distinct values, and rigorous logic. Among them, "not believing in fallacies" concerns the direction of "holding high the banner and setting the course," and is the logical starting point of this thought; "not fearing ghosts" concerns the development issue of "overcoming difficulties," and is the logical intermediary of this thought; "not being afraid of pressure" concerns the security issue of "long-term governance," and is the logical endpoint of this thought. These three profoundly answer the questions of the path, the rejuvenation of the country, and the strengthening of the Party facing Chinese Communists in the New Era, further deepening the understanding of the laws of human social development, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of Communist Party governance. They are the scientific guidance for uniting efforts and forging ahead on the new journey.

综上，“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”既相互区别又互为一体，构成了内涵丰富、价值鲜明、逻辑严密的理论体系。其中，“不信邪”涉及“举旗定向”的方向问题，是这一思想的逻辑起点；“不怕鬼”涉及“攻坚克难”的发展问题，是这一思想的逻辑中介；“不怕压”涉及“长期执政”的安全问题，是这一思想的逻辑终点。这三者深刻回答了新时代中国共产党人面对的道路之问、兴国之问、强党之问，进一步深化了对人类社会发展规律、社会主义建设规律和共产党执政规律的认识，是凝心聚力奋进新征程的科学指引。

2. The Value Implication of "Not Believing in Fallacies, Not Fearing Ghosts, Not Being Afraid of Pressure"

二、“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”的价值意蕴

"Not believing in fallacies, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure" is a new thesis proposed by Chinese Communists in the New Era based on the historical circumstances of the "two overall situations" [13]13 The "two overall situations" (两个大局) refers to the overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the overall situation of changes unseen in a century in the world.. It focuses on both grand strategic guidance and concrete risk challenges, highlighting the high degree of vigilance and self-awareness of the century-old Party, and has important practical significance.

“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”是新时代中国共产党人基于“两个大局”历史境遇提出的新论断，其既着眼于宏大的战略指引，也聚焦于现实的风险挑战，彰显了百年大党高度的警醒自觉，具有重要现实意义。

(1) A Spiritual Weapon for Seizing the Initiative in the Struggle of Great Power Games

(一)把握大国博弈斗争主动权的精神武器

Entering the New Era, China has risen with a non-Western institutional model. The institutional friction between socialist China and Western capitalist countries, and the structural friction between a rising China and anxious hegemonic powers, have intensified day by day. The US and the West, in order to maintain their hegemonic status, constantly change tactics to suppress and contain China's development, and the great power game is becoming increasingly fierce. The powerful truth, struggle strength, and strategic vigilance contained in "not believing in fallacies, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure" are spiritual weapons for seizing the initiative in the struggle of great power games amidst the century-old changes.

进入新时代，中国以非西方制度模式崛起，社会主义中国与西方资本主义国家之间的制度摩擦、强起来的中国与焦虑的霸权主义大国之间的结构摩擦日益加剧，美西方为维持其霸权地位，不断变换手法打压遏制我国发展，大国博弈日益激烈。“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”蕴含的强大真理、斗争力量以及战略警醒，是在百年变局中把握大国博弈斗争主动权的精神武器。

First, the power of truth contained in "not believing in fallacies" is a spiritual weapon for seizing the initiative in the great power "psychological warfare." "Psychological warfare is superior, military warfare is inferior" (Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Shu, Biography of Ma Su). [14]14 This is a classical Chinese allusion from the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," attributed to Ma Su, a Shu Han strategist, emphasizing the primacy of psychological warfare over military force. "Psychological warfare" is a common tactic used by the US and the West for ideological export and cultural hegemony. During the Cold War, the US-Soviet rivalry was deadlocked for a time. The Western camp led by the United States changed its tactics, using "psychological methods" such as denying Soviet history, denying Marxism, and promoting American-style values, ultimately leading to the loss of power by the Soviet Communist Party and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Since the New Era, hostile Western forces have used their pre-existing network technology advantages, employing methods such as online cultural infiltration, online public opinion defamation, online social penetration, and online interest transmission to erode China's mainstream ideology and threaten national security. Using the spiritual weapon of "not believing in fallacies" helps Chinese Communists, with the Party image of "not believing in fallacies," to externally demonstrate the Chinese government's determination and confidence in opposing the suppression and containment of hostile forces, to tell the Chinese story of how our Party can still burst with vitality after experiencing the low ebb of the world socialist cause, to spread the Chinese voice of the Party and the people adhering to the truth, and to firmly grasp the initiative in the great power "psychological warfare."

其一，“不信邪”蕴含的真理力量是把握大国“心战”主动权的精神武器。“心战为上，兵战为下”(《三国志·蜀志·马谡传》)。“心战”是美西方进行意识形态输出、推行文化霸权的惯用伎俩。冷战时期，美苏争霸一时相持不下，以美国为首的西方阵营变换手法，通过否定苏联历史，否定马克思主义，推行美式价值观等“心法”,最终导致苏共丧失执政地位，苏联解体。新时代以来，西方敌对势力利用其先在的网络技术优势，采用网络文化浸染、网络舆论抹黑、网络社交渗透、网络利益输送等手法，消解我主流意识形态，威胁我国家安全。用好“不信邪”的精神武器，有助于中国共产党人以“不信邪”的政党形象，对外展示中国政府反对敌对势力打压遏制的决心与信心，讲好我们党在经历世界社会主义事业低潮后仍能迸发活力的中国故事，传播好党和人民坚守真理的中国声音，牢牢把握大国“心战”主动权。

Second, the struggle power contained in “not fearing ghosts” is a spiritual weapon for seizing the initiative in the “force struggle” of major powers. “In warfare, there are no constant circumstances, just as water has no constant shape” (The Art of War, “The Weak and the Strong” [1]1 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) for the training class of young and middle-aged cadres in the autumn semester of 2021.). Since the New Era, in addition to waging “psychological warfare” against China, the US and the West have supplemented it with “force struggle,” attempting to make China concede and submit under their formidable strength. On the one hand, the US and the West leverage their global hegemonic position to form political alliances, attempting to win over allies to isolate China, thereby achieving the goal of containing China. On the other hand, the US and the West use their advantages in economic, technological, and military strength, not hesitating to launch “trade wars” and “cyber wars” against China, and unreasonably meddle in South China Sea affairs, “flexing their muscles” around China’s South China Sea, attempting to force China to make concessions on core interests such as sovereignty and security. Making good use of the spiritual weapon of “not fearing ghosts” helps Chinese Communists revisit the revolutionary spirit, confronting the pressure from the US and the West with the revolutionary momentum of “daring to fight ghosts.” At the same time, it draws on the struggle wisdom contained in “being skilled at managing ghosts,” objectively analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both the enemy and ourselves, avoiding falling into the “traps” set by the other side in advance. It means making no concessions on core interests, being flexible on strategic issues, seeking cooperation through struggle, properly managing Sino-US differences, and firmly grasping the initiative in the “force struggle” of major powers.

其二，“不怕鬼”蕴含的斗争力量是把握大国“力战”主动权的精神武器。“兵无常势，水无常形”(《孙子兵法·虚实篇》)。新时代以来，美西方除了对华展开“心战”外，更辅之以“力战”,企图使中国在其强大的实力面前作出让步和屈服。一方面，美西方利用其在全球的霸权地位，大搞政治联盟，企图拉拢盟友孤立中国，进而达到遏制中国的目的。另一方面，美西方利用其经济、技术、军事等力量优势，不惜对华发动“贸易战”“网络战”,并无理插手南海事务，在我国南海周边“秀肌肉”,企图迫使我国在主权、安全等核心利益上让步。用好“不怕鬼”的精神武器，有助于中国共产党人重温革命精神，以“敢打鬼”的革命威势直面美西方的威压。同时汲取“善治鬼”蕴含的斗争智慧，客观分析敌我双方的优劣势，避免落入对方提前设置的“陷阱”。在核心利益上绝不让步，在策略问题上机动灵活，以斗争谋合作，妥善把控中美分歧，牢牢把握大国“力战”主动权。

Third, the strategic vigilance contained in “not being afraid of pressure” is a spiritual weapon for seizing the initiative in the “strategic struggle” of major powers. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting; the next best is to attack his strategy” (The Art of War, “Planning Attacks” [2]2 “As if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss” (如临深渊、如履薄冰) is a classical Chinese idiom from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经》), expressing extreme caution.). Since the New Era, proceeding from hegemonic logic, the US and the West have planned a comprehensive system to exclude China in the economic, political, technological, and military spheres, attempting to delay or even block the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. To this end, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the need to “be vigilant in peace” and “prepare for a rainy day,” and to do a good job in strategic planning. “The wise man’s consideration must take into account both advantage and disadvantage” (The Art of War, “Variation in Tactics” [3]3 “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs” (调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道) is a common formulation in CPC discourse, emphasizing the importance of empirical investigation.). Making good use of the spiritual weapon of “not being afraid of pressure” helps Chinese Communists maintain strategic vigilance at all times, fully assess various possibilities under the Sino-US game, scientifically grasp the laws and development trends of the Sino-US game with bottom-line thinking, foster new opportunities amidst crises, open up new horizons amidst changes, and firmly grasp the initiative in “strategic struggle.”

其三，“不怕压”蕴含的战略警醒是把握大国“谋战”主动权的精神武器。“上兵伐谋，其下攻城”(《孙子兵法·谋攻篇》)。新时代以来，美西方从霸权逻辑出发，在经济、政治、科技、军事等领域谋划了全面的排华体系，企图迟滞甚至阻断中华民族伟大复兴进程。为此，习近平总书记反复强调，要“居安思危”“未雨绸缪”,抓好战略谋划。“智者之虑，杂于利害”(《孙子兵法·九变篇》)。用好“不怕压”的精神武器，有助于中国共产党人时刻保持战略警醒，充分预估中美博弈下的各种可能性，以底线思维科学把握中美博弈规律和发展趋势，于危机中育先机、于变局中开新局，牢牢把握“谋战”主动权。

(II) The Spiritual Strength to Firmly Take the Path of Chinese-Path Modernization

(二)坚定走中国式现代化道路的精神力量

The advancement of the path of Chinese-path modernization requires both the guarantee of material strength and the guidance of spiritual strength. The spiritual creativity, spiritual driving force, and spiritual binding force contained in “not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” are powerful spiritual strengths for firmly taking the path of Chinese-path modernization.

中国式现代化道路的推进，既需要物质力量的保证，也离不开精神力量的指引。“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”蕴含的精神创造力、精神驱动力、精神约束力是坚定走中国式现代化道路的强大精神力量。

First, the adherence to truth and independence contained in “not believing in evil” is the spiritual creativity for taking the path of Chinese-path modernization. This spiritual creativity constantly guides Chinese Communists to combine universal truth with concrete reality according to the Chinese people’s own understanding, firmly controlling the forward direction of the path of Chinese-path modernization. It is specifically embodied in the spiritual guidance provided by Marxism for Chinese Communists to independently explore the path of modernization. It is precisely because Chinese Communists “do not believe in evil,” independently using Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times to understand and analyze various problems arising in the process of socialist modernization, that they have been able to successively forge a path of socialist industrialization different from that of the Soviet Union, forge an open and inclusive path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and forge a path of Chinese-path modernization that transcends the Western modernization model.

其一，“不信邪”蕴含的坚持真理与独立自主是走中国式现代化道路的精神创造力。这种精神创造力时刻指引中国共产党人要依照中国人的见解将普遍真理与具体实际相结合，牢牢把控中国式现代化道路的前进方向。其具体体现在马克思主义对中国共产党人独立自主探索现代化道路提供的精神指引。正是因为中国共产党人“不信邪”,独立自主地以中国化时代化的马克思主义来认识和分析社会主义现代化建设过程中出现的各种问题，才能先后走出不同于苏联的社会主义工业化道路、走出开放包容的中国特色社会主义道路、走出超越西方现代化模式的中国式现代化道路。

Second, the revolutionary momentum and strategic skills contained in “not fearing ghosts” are the spiritual driving force for taking the path of Chinese-path modernization. This spiritual driving force constantly inspires Chinese Communists to dare to struggle and be good at struggling, forging ahead vigorously on the path of Chinese-path modernization. First, it is manifested as the spiritual courage of “daring to fight ghosts.” The advancement of Chinese-path modernization requires facing challenges such as the imbalance between material and spiritual development, the huge population size, and regional development imbalances. Using the spiritual courage of “daring to fight ghosts” helps inspire Chinese Communists to overcome the fear of difficulty on the forward path, conquering all difficulties and challenges with a high-spirited struggle posture. Second, it is manifested as the spiritual intelligence of “being skilled at managing ghosts.” The advancement of the path of Chinese-path modernization will inevitably involve adjusting and governing deep-seated contradictions such as the contradiction between labor and capital and polarization, and may face severe tests of high winds and choppy seas, or even monstrous waves. Using the intelligence of “being skilled at managing ghosts” helps Chinese Communists coordinate development and security, scientifically grasp development contradictions, and achieve a smooth transition during the period of social transformation.

其二，“不怕鬼”蕴含的革命威势与策略本领是走中国式现代化道路的精神驱动力。这种精神驱动力时刻激励中国共产党人敢于斗争、善于斗争，踔厉奋发走好中国式现代化之路。一是表现为“敢打鬼”的精神魄力。中国式现代化的推进，需要面对物质与精神发展失调、人口规模巨大、区域发展失衡等挑战。运用“敢打鬼”的精神魄力，有助于激励中国共产党人克服前进道路上的畏难情绪，以昂扬的斗争姿态战胜一切困难与挑战。二是表现为“善治鬼”的精神智力。中国式现代化道路的推进，势必会对劳资矛盾、两极分化等深层次矛盾进行调整和治理，可能面临风急浪高甚至惊涛骇浪的巨大考验。运用“善治鬼”的智力，有助于中国共产党人统筹发展与安全，科学把握发展矛盾，实现社会转型期的平稳过渡。

Third, the vigilance in times of peace and bottom-line thinking contained in “not being afraid of pressure” are the spiritual binding force for taking the path of Chinese-path modernization. This spiritual binding force constantly warns Chinese Communists to be vigilant in peace, prevent and control risks, and unswervingly take the future path of Chinese-path modernization. First, it is embodied in the spiritual self-control of not forgetting danger in times of safety. Unlike the explicit tests of “material scarcity” and “bloodshed and sacrifice” in the war years, taking the path of Chinese-path modernization requires facing hidden risks where endogenous and exogenous factors are intertwined and superimposed. On the forward path, the spiritual self-control of Chinese Communists, who do not forget worry in times of joy and do not forget danger in times of safety, will surely build a spiritual barrier against preventing and resolving risks. Second, it is embodied in the spiritual resistance of adhering to the bottom line. During the advancement of Chinese-path modernization, Chinese Communists face not only the rigid blows of “encirclement and interception” from Western hostile forces, but also the flexible corrosion of “gentle traps” and “sugar-coated bullets.” The spiritual resistance of Chinese Communists in drawing red lines and adhering to the bottom line will surely build a solid ideological dam for preventing and resolving various spiritual blows and temptations.

其三，“不怕压”蕴含的忧患意识和底线思维是走中国式现代化道路的精神约束力。这种精神约束力时刻警醒中国共产党人要居安思危、防控风险，坚定不移走好中国式现代化的未来之路。一是体现在安不忘危的精神自制力。与战争年代“物资匮乏”“流血牺牲”的显性考验不同，走好中国式现代化道路，需要面临内生性和外源性交织叠加的隐蔽风险。前进道路上，中国共产党人乐不忘忧、安不忘危的精神自制力，必将筑牢防化风险的精神屏障。二是体现在坚守底线的精神抵抗力。中国式现代化推进过程中，中国共产党人既面临西方敌对势力“围追堵截”的刚性打击，又面临“温柔陷阱”和“糖衣炮弹”的柔性腐蚀。中国共产党人划定红线、坚守底线的精神抵抗力，必将为防范化解各种精神打击与诱惑筑牢思想堤坝。

(III) The Spiritual Code for Solving the Unique Problems of the CPC

(三)破解中国共产党独有难题的精神密码

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “How to always remain true to the original aspiration and founding mission… how to always maintain a clean and upright political ecology are all unique problems that our major party must solve.” [4]4 “Diagnosis and pulse-taking” (问诊把脉) is a metaphor drawn from traditional Chinese medicine, meaning to examine and analyze a problem carefully. The faith code, capability code, and steadfastness code contained in “not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” scientifically answer from the spiritual level why the CPC is capable, and are the key to solving the unique problems of the century-old major party.

习近平总书记指出：“如何始终不忘初心、牢记使命……如何始终保持风清气正的政治生态，都是我们这个大党必须解决的独有难题。”“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”蕴含的信仰密码、能力密码、定力密码从精神层面科学回答了中国共产党为什么能，是破解百年大党独有难题的关键所在。

First, “not believing in evil” is the faith code for Chinese Communists to “always remain true to the original aspiration and founding mission” and “always unify thought, unify will, and unify action.” On the one hand, “emphasizing ideological Party building and theoretical Party strengthening is a distinctive feature and glorious tradition of our Party.” [5]5 “Sit firmly in the fishing boat despite the rising wind and waves” (任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼船) is a Chinese proverb meaning to remain calm and steady in the face of turmoil. The spirit of “not believing in evil” is a precious red resource for theoretical Party strengthening. Carrying forward the spirit of “not believing in evil” helps Chinese Communists always adhere to truth, use ideal and belief education to cast the soul and supplement “calcium” [6]6 The “Four Histories” (四史) refer to the history of the CPC, the history of the People’s Republic of China, the history of reform and opening up, and the history of the development of socialism., and adhere to the original aspiration and founding mission. On the other hand, the spirit of “not believing in evil” is a concentrated expression of Chinese Communists, guided by the banner of Marxism, having a direction in their hearts, firmness in their will, and a goal in their actions. Over the past century, Chinese Communists have successively broken the “city-center theory,” the “theory of the failure of socialism,” the “end of history thesis,” and other arguments that shake the fundamental banner. This will surely inspire Chinese Communists in the New Era to more profoundly understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, resolutely achieve the Two Upholds, and unite under the Party’s banner into “a piece of hard steel.” [7]7 “Red fighters” (红战士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are courageous in struggle, drawing on the revolutionary imagery of the “red” color symbolizing the CPC.

其一，“不信邪”是中国共产党人“始终不忘初心、牢记使命”和“始终统一思想、统一意志、统一行动”的信仰密码。一方面，“注重思想建党、理论强党，是我们党的鲜明特色和光荣传统”。“不信邪”精神是理论强党的宝贵红色资源，发扬“不信邪”精神，有助于中国共产党人始终坚持真理，以理想信念教育铸魂补“钙”,坚守初心使命。另一方面，“不信邪”精神是中国共产党人在马克思主义旗帜指引下心有所向、意有所坚、行有所赴的集中体现。百年来，中国共产党人先后打破了“城市中心论”“社会主义失败论”“历史终结论”等动摇根本旗帜的论调，其必将激励新时代中国共产党人更加深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，坚决做到“两个维护”,在党的旗帜下团结成“一块坚硬的钢铁”。

Second, “not fearing ghosts” is the capability code for Chinese Communists to “always maintain a clean and upright political ecology” and “always possess strong governing capacity and leadership level.” On the one hand, the revolutionary momentum contained in “not fearing ghosts” helps Chinese Communists always maintain a clean and upright political ecology. Facing the long-term anti-corruption struggle, some Party cadres have seen their struggle spirit diminish, becoming weary and war-weary, slackening and wanting to rest. The Party’s conduct and government integrity are related to the Party’s survival. It is necessary to bite the “green mountain” [8]8 “Red strategists” (红谋士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are skilled and strategic in struggle, combining the “red” political identity with the traditional Chinese concept of a strategist or advisor. and carry out the Party’s self-revolution to the end with revolutionary momentum. On the other hand, the strategic skills contained in “not fearing ghosts” help Chinese Communists always possess strong governing capacity and leadership level. Facing the historic task of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, some Party cadres are content with the status quo, neglect learning, and are detached from practice, experiencing a “capability panic.” To achieve the goal of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, it is necessary to learn well and use well the strategic skills contained in “not fearing ghosts,” effectively enhancing the capability and level of leading modernization construction.

其二，“不怕鬼”是中国共产党人“始终保持风清气正的政治生态”和“始终具备强大的执政能力和领导水平”的能力密码。一方面，“不怕鬼”蕴含的革命威势，有助于中国共产党人始终保持风清气正的政治生态。面对长期的反腐败斗争，部分党员干部斗争精神消减，疲劳厌战，松劲歇脚。党风政风问题关系到党的生死存亡，必须咬定“青山”,以革命威势将党的自我革命进行到底。另一方面，“不怕鬼”蕴含的策略本领，有助于中国共产党人始终具备强大执政能力和领导水平。面对全面建设社会主义现代化国家的历史重任，部分党员干部安于现状、疏于学习、脱离实践，出现了“本领恐慌”。实现全面建设社会主义现代化国家目标，必须学好、用好“不怕鬼”蕴含的策略本领，切实提升领导现代化建设的能力水平。

Third, “not being afraid of pressure” is the code of composure for Chinese Communists to “always maintain the spirit of undertaking and starting undertakings” and “always be able to promptly discover and resolve their own problems.” On the one hand, the sense of urgency inherent in “not being afraid of pressure” helps Chinese Communists to always maintain the spirit of undertaking and starting undertakings. Faced with the great achievements of the Party over the past century, some Party officials and members have seen their fighting spirit diminish, seeking comfort and ease, and their spirit for undertaking and starting undertakings wane. Starting an undertaking is difficult, but maintaining it is even harder. The path forward still faces external suppression and containment as well as internal reform and development pressures; it is necessary to be vigilant in times of peace, strive vigorously, and advance courageously. On the other hand, the bottom-line thinking inherent in “not being afraid of pressure” helps Chinese Communists to always be able to promptly discover and resolve their own problems. Faced with the “Four Tests” [1]1 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) for the training class of young and middle-aged cadres in the autumn semester of 2021. and the “Four Dangers,” [2]2 “As if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss” (如临深渊、如履薄冰) is a classical Chinese idiom from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经》), expressing extreme caution. some Party officials and members ignore the problems that arise within themselves, willingly become prey in a “hunting game,” [3]3 “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs” (调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道) is a common formulation in CPC discourse, emphasizing the importance of empirical investigation. and lose the bottom line of morality and discipline. Only by holding the bottom line can one go far steadily; Party officials and members must adhere to bottom-line thinking, constantly examine their own problems, and be brave in self-revolution.

其三，“不怕压”是中国共产党人“始终保持干事创业精神状态”和“始终能够及时发现和解决自身存在的问题”的定力密码。一方面，“不怕压”蕴含的忧患意识，有助于中国共产党人始终保持干事创业的精神状态。面对党百年取得的巨大成就，部分党员干部奋斗精神消减，贪图安逸，干事创业精神消退。创业不易，守业更难，前进之路仍面临外部的打压遏制及内部改革发展压力，必须居安思危，踔厉奋发，勇毅前行。另一方面，“不怕压”蕴含的底线思维，有助于中国共产党人始终能够及时发现和解决自身存在的问题。面对“四大考验”和“四种危险”,部分党员干部漠视自身出现的问题，甘于被“围猎”,丧失道德、纪法的底线。守好底线，方能行稳致远，党员干部必须坚持底线思维，时刻检视自身存在的问题，勇于自我革命。

III. The Practical Requirements of “Not Believing in Evil, Not Fearing Ghosts, Not Being Afraid of Pressure”

三、“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”的实践要求

As a valuable spiritual resource for Chinese Communists in the New Era, “not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure” must be vigorously promoted and practiced in reality. To practice the spirit of “not believing in evil, not fearing ghosts, not being afraid of pressure,” efforts should be made from the aspects of consolidating the foundation of faith, strengthening the foundation of one’s standing, and enhancing the skill of capability.

“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”作为新时代中国共产党人宝贵的精神资源，必须在实践中大力弘扬践行。践行“不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压”精神，应从筑牢信仰之基、巩固立身之本、强化本领之功等方面着手。

(A) Consolidate the “Foundation” of Faith, Increase the Aspiration of “Not Believing in Evil”

(一)筑牢信仰之“基”,增长“不信邪”的志气

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Only with theoretical clarity can there be political firmness, and only then can there be confidence and strength in struggle.” The reason why our Party could radiate vigorous vitality after experiencing the low ebb of the world socialist cause is precisely because Chinese Communists “do not believe in evil,” have firm ideals and convictions, and possess the spiritual character of independence and self-reliance. To increase the aspiration of “not believing in evil,” it is necessary to base it on scientific theory, on the century-long Party history, on practical achievements, and on Chinese civilization.

习近平总书记指出：“理论上清醒，政治上才能坚定，斗争起来才有底气、有力量。”我们党之所以在经历世界社会主义事业低潮之后还能焕发出蓬勃生机，正是因为中国共产党人“不信邪”,有坚定的理想信念，有独立自主的精神品格。增长“不信邪”的志气，需立足科学理论、立足百年党史、立足现实成就、立足中华文明。

First, base it on scientific theory to consolidate the theoretical foundation of faith. The reason why Marxist theory has remained enduringly vibrant and why the banner of Marxism has stood unshaken is, in the final analysis, because Marxism is scientific. However, currently, some Party officials and members, when studying theory, fail to achieve “the integration of learning, thinking, and application, and the unity of knowledge, faith, and action.” [4]4 “Diagnosis and pulse-taking” (问诊把脉) is a metaphor drawn from traditional Chinese medicine, meaning to examine and analyze a problem carefully. Their study is a “mere formality,” contenting themselves with superficial understanding or “half-baked knowledge.” Theoretical lack of clarity leads to loss of faith, political degeneration, and degradation of capability. For this reason, it is necessary to systematically rather than fragmentarily, and practically rather than abstractly, carry out Marxist theoretical learning and education, guiding the vast number of Party officials and members to take the spirit of “not believing in evil” as an entry point, fully recognizing the significance of theoretical study for guiding practice.

其一，立足科学理论筑牢信仰的理论根基。马克思主义理论之所以久盛不衰，马克思主义旗帜之所以屹立不倒，归根到底是因为马克思主义是科学。然而，当前部分党员干部在理论学习时没有做到“学思用贯通、知信行统一”,学习“走过场”,满足于浅尝辄止或“一知半解”。理论上不清醒，导致信念丧失、政治蜕变、本领退化。为此，需系统地而不是零碎地、实际地而不是空洞地开展马克思主义理论学习教育，引导广大党员干部以“不信邪”精神为切入点，充分认识到理论学习对于实践指导的重要意义。

Second, base it on the century-long Party history to consolidate the historical foundation of faith. The century-long Party history is magnificent and stirring; it is the historical foundation for the formation of the spirit of “not believing in evil” and the historical confirmation that Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times “works.” It is necessary to strengthen theoretical armed forces through the study and education of Party history, enabling Party officials and members to deeply comprehend the spiritual character of Chinese Communists “taking the examination independently” [5]5 “Sit firmly in the fishing boat despite the rising wind and waves” (任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼船) is a Chinese proverb meaning to remain calm and steady in the face of turmoil. in the study of the “Four Histories,” [6]6 The “Four Histories” (四史) refer to the history of the CPC, the history of the People’s Republic of China, the history of reform and opening up, and the history of the development of socialism. inherit the red gene of “not believing in evil,” strengthen faith through learning history to increase confidence, and use knowledge to promote action.

其二，立足百年党史筑牢信仰的历史根基。百年党史波澜壮阔，是“不信邪”精神形成的历史根基，是中国化时代化的马克思主义“行”的历史印证。需通过党史学习教育强化理论武装，使党员干部在‘四史’学习中深刻领悟中国共产党人“独立赴考”的精神品格，传承“不信邪”的红色基因，在学史增信中坚定信仰，以知促行。

Third, base it on practical achievements to consolidate the practical foundation of faith. Entering the New Era, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the cause of the Party and the state has achieved historic accomplishments and undergone historic changes. It is necessary to guide the vast number of Party members to appreciate the superiority of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics from the great achievements of the New Era and the horizontal comparison between Chinese and Western histories, thereby enhancing national self-confidence and pride.

其三，立足现实成就筑牢信仰的现实根基。进入新时代，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央领导下，党和国家事业取得了历史性成就，发生了历史性变革。要引导广大党员从新时代的伟大成就和中西历史的横向对比中体悟中国特色社会主义制度的优越性，增强民族自信心和自豪感。

Fourth, base it on Chinese civilization to consolidate the cultural foundation of faith. “Chinese civilization is extensive, profound, and has a long history; it is the unique spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation and the foundation of contemporary Chinese culture.” Ancient Chinese mythological stories such as “drilling wood to make fire,” “Yu the Great controlling the floods,” and “the Foolish Old Man who removed the mountains” are fundamentally different from the Western civilizational characteristics of “God giving fire” and “waiting for redemption.” The spirit of struggle of “not believing in evil” contained in the excellent traditional Chinese culture has enabled the Chinese nation to stand tall to this day. It is necessary to reveal the profound historical heritage demonstrated by the trait of struggle, consolidate the cultural foundation of contemporary Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese power, and enhance the aspiration of being Chinese.

其四，立足中华文明筑牢信仰的文化根基。“中华文明源远流长、博大精深，是中华民族独特的精神标识，是当代中国文化的根基”。中国古代“钻木取火”“大禹治水”“愚公移山”等神话故事与西方“上帝赐火”“等待救赎”的文明特征有根本的不同。中华优秀传统文化中蕴含的“不信邪”的抗争精神使中华民族屹立至今。必须将抗争特质昭示的深厚历史底蕴揭示出来，筑牢当代中国精神、中国价值和中国力量的文化根基，增强做中国人的志气。

(B) Strengthen the “Foundation” of One’s Standing, Enhance the Backbone of “Not Fearing Ghosts”

(二)巩固立身之“本”,增强“不怕鬼”的骨气

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “We must regard the practice and experience of the Party and the people over more than ninety years as the foundation of our standing that we must never forget for a moment and must never discard for an instant.” “Not fearing ghosts” is a precious spiritual wealth formed by our Party in the long-term practice of struggle and is the foundation of the standing of Chinese Communists. In the New Era, to enhance the backbone of “not fearing ghosts,” it is necessary to proceed from two aspects: guarding the “foundation” of the revolutionary spirit and making good use of the “capability” of the house special skill.

习近平总书记指出：“我们要把党和人民九十多年的实践及其经验，当做时刻不能忘、须臾不能丢的立身之本。”“不怕鬼”是我们党在长期的斗争实践中形成的宝贵精神财富，是中国共产党人的立身之本。新时代，增强“不怕鬼”的骨气，需从守好革命精神之“本”和用好看家本领之“能”两方面着手。

First, it is necessary to guard the “foundation” of the revolutionary spirit. The dauntless revolutionary momentum is the “foundation” of the revolutionary spirit; carrying forward the revolutionary momentum is the prerequisite for “beating ghosts.” History and practice have proven that harboring illusions about hostile forces, vainly attempting to seek safety through retreat and survival through humiliation, can only bring endless bullying and humiliation. The revolutionary momentum was forged by our Party during the revolutionary war years; it is precisely this dauntless revolutionary momentum that enabled the older generation of Communists to step forward at critical moments and sacrifice themselves at times of crisis. Facing the changes unseen in a century, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation can absolutely not be achieved easily; the path forward is bound to encounter upgraded suppression and containment from external hostile forces and undergo major tests of high winds and choppy waters, even raging waves. In the face of risks and challenges, we should inherit and carry forward this revolutionary momentum, clarify the direction of struggle in the New Era, firm up the stance of struggle, remain unswerving on matters of principle, dare to confront tough issues in safeguarding core interests, and dare to draw the sword on major issues of principle. Face difficulties with dauntless revolutionary spirit, rise to the challenge, and firmly grasp the initiative in the struggle.

其一，要守好革命精神之“本”。大无畏的革命威势是革命精神之“本”,发扬革命威势是“打鬼”的前提。历史与实践已经证明，对敌对势力心存幻想，妄图以退求安、以屈求全，只能换来无休止的霸凌和屈辱。革命威势是我们党在革命战争年代打出来的，正是这种大无畏的革命威势，使老一辈共产党人在关键时刻能够站出来，在危难关头能够豁出去。面对百年变局，中华民族伟大复兴绝不可能轻松实现，前进道路上势必会遭遇外部敌对势力的升级遏制，经受风高浪急甚至惊涛骇浪的重大考验。在风险与挑战面前，我们应继承和发扬这种革命威势，明确新时代的斗争指向，坚定斗争立场，在原则问题上毫不动摇，在维护核心利益上敢于碰硬，在大是大非面前敢于亮剑。以大无畏的革命气魄直面困难，迎难而上，牢牢把握斗争的主动权。

Second, it is necessary to make good use of the “capability” of the house special skill. In the New Era, the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era are the “house special skill” for Chinese Communists to understand and transform the world, and are the key to “subduing ghosts.” The scientific methods of dialectical materialism, such as the view of contradiction, the view of connection, and the view of development, provide scientific guidance for flexible struggle strategies. The key to flexible struggle strategies lies in grasping the principles of struggle, summarizing scientific methods, and adapting to changes in time, events, and circumstances. In work, comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, deepening reform, and responding to changes in the situation all require carrying forward the spirit of struggle, but the struggle situations in various fields are not the same and are complex and changeable, and are highly likely to be intertwined and linked. This complexity and uncertainty determine the need to adopt appropriate struggle strategies based on specific problems, “reasonably choose the methods of struggle, grasp the intensity of struggle, make no concession on matters of principle, and be flexible and mobile on matters of strategy,” striving to become “red fighters” [7]7 “Red fighters” (红战士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are courageous in struggle, drawing on the revolutionary imagery of the “red” color symbolizing the CPC. who dare to struggle and “red strategists” [8]8 “Red strategists” (红谋士) is a term used here to denote Party members who are skilled and strategic in struggle, combining the “red” political identity with the traditional Chinese concept of a strategist or advisor. who are good at struggling.

其二，要用好看家本领之“能”。在新时代，习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的世界观和方法论是中国共产党人认识世界、改造世界的“看家本领”,是“治鬼”的关键。唯物辩证法的矛盾观、联系观、发展观等科学方法为灵活斗争策略提供了科学的指引，灵活斗争策略的关键在于把握斗争的原则，总结科学的方法，因时而变、因事而变、因势而化。在工作中，从严治党、深化改革、应对变局等都需要发扬斗争精神，但各个领域的斗争形势不尽相同且复杂多变，并极有可能交织联动，这种复杂性和不确定性决定了需要根据具体问题采取合适的斗争策略，“合理选择斗争方式、把握斗争火候，在原则问题上寸步不让，在策略问题上灵活机动”,努力成为敢于斗争的“红战士”和善于斗争的“红谋士”。

(C) Enhance the “Skill” of Capability, Increase the Confidence of “Not Being Afraid of Pressure”

(三)强化本领之“功”,增加“不怕压”的底气

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “As the principal contradiction in our society changes and the international balance of power undergoes profound adjustments, the internal and external risks facing our country’s development have risen unprecedentedly. It is necessary to enhance the sense of urgency, adhere to bottom-line thinking, and be prepared at all times to deal with more complex and difficult situations.” “Not being afraid of pressure” is the “magic weapon” for our Party to successfully cope with internal and external risks in different historical periods. To increase the confidence of “not being afraid of pressure,” it is necessary not only to have strong material forces as support but also to “cultivate both internally and externally,” strengthening the skill of capability.

习近平总书记指出：“随着我国社会主要矛盾变化和国际力量对比深刻调整，我国发展面临的内外部风险空前上升，必须增强忧患意识、坚持底线思维，随时准备应对更加复杂困难的局面。”“不怕压”是我们党在不同历史时期成功应对内外风险的“法宝”。增加“不怕压”的底气，不仅需要强大的物质力量作支撑，还需“内外兼修”,强化本领之功。

First, one must take learning as the priority and diligently cultivate “internal skills.” “Young cadres are born into a great era and are the new force for the development of the Party and the state’s cause; they must cultivate internal skills and enhance their cultivation.” [1]1 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) for the training class of young and middle-aged cadres in the autumn semester of 2021. Advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization is the pioneering undertaking of the Party. On the path forward, we are bound to encounter many entirely new issues and are bound to face suppression and containment from external hostile forces. This urgently requires the vast majority of Party members to arm their minds and consolidate their souls with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on enhancing vigilance and adhering to bottom-line thinking, to scientifically judge the development trends of the future situation, to deeply discern the challenges and opportunities contained within, to maintain an attitude as if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss, and to prevent the occurrence of systemic and subversive risks. [2]2 “As if treading on thin ice or standing at the edge of an abyss” (如临深渊、如履薄冰) is a classical Chinese idiom from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经》), expressing extreme caution. Chinese Communists bear the heavy trust of the people and the hopes of the nation. To firmly grasp the historical initiative, they must diligently cultivate “internal skills,” honing the courage to take responsibility, the wisdom for scientific prevention and control, the strategy for overall planning, and the ability for organization and implementation in responding to risks and challenges.

其一，要以学为先，勤修“内功”。“年轻干部生逢伟大时代，是党和国家事业发展的生力军，必须练好内功、提升修养。”以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴是党的开创性事业，前进道路上，势必会遇到诸多全新课题，势必面临外部敌对势力的打压遏制。这就迫切要求广大党员要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想和习近平总书记关于增强忧患意识、坚持底线思维的重要论述武装头脑、凝心铸魂，科学判断未来形势的发展走向，深刻洞察蕴含其中的挑战机遇，保持如临深渊、如履薄冰的态度，防止系统性、颠覆性风险的发生。中国共产党人肩负着人民重托、民族希望，要想牢牢把握历史主动，必须勤修“内功”,在应对风险挑战中磨砺责任担当之勇、科学防控之智、统筹兼顾之谋、组织实施之能。

Second, one must conduct in-depth investigation and research, and painstakingly practice “external skills.” “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs,” and they are the “external skills” that Chinese Communists must painstakingly practice. [3]3 “Investigation and research are the foundation of accomplishing tasks and the way of planning affairs” (调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道) is a common formulation in CPC discourse, emphasizing the importance of empirical investigation. To increase the confidence of “not being afraid of pressure,” one must fully understand oneself and know the opponent through investigation and research; knowing oneself and knowing the other ensures victory in every battle. Marxism holds that practice is the source of knowledge and the sole criterion for testing the correctness of knowledge. The vast majority of Party members must enhance their problem awareness, take risk points as the guide, proactively stand on the front line, and conduct diagnosis and pulse-taking on risk points that are prone to frequent occurrence. [4]4 “Diagnosis and pulse-taking” (问诊把脉) is a metaphor drawn from traditional Chinese medicine, meaning to examine and analyze a problem carefully. They must focus on both external risks and internal risks, truly clarifying and accurately identifying risk challenges, and propose targeted countermeasures. At the same time, with the fighting will of “a knife is sharpened on a stone, a person is tempered through affairs,” they must test in practice whether the proposed countermeasures are scientific, highlight the transformation and application of research results, and continuously improve existing ideological and material preparations. “To forge iron, one must be strong oneself.” Only by taking “internal skills” as the foundation and simultaneously cultivating excellent “external skills” can the vast majority of Party members “sit firmly in the fishing boat despite the rising wind and waves.” [5]5 “Sit firmly in the fishing boat despite the rising wind and waves” (任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼船) is a Chinese proverb meaning to remain calm and steady in the face of turmoil.

其二，要深入调研，苦练“外功”。“调查研究是成事之基，谋事之道”,是中国共产党人必须苦练的“外功”。增加“不怕压”的底气，要通过调查研究充分了解自己，认识对手，知己知彼，方能百战百胜。马克思主义认为，实践是认识的来源，是检验认识正确与否的唯一标准。广大党员要增强问题意识，以风险点为导向，主动站到一线，对易发频发的风险点进行问诊把脉，既要聚焦外部风险，又要聚焦内部风险，真正把风险挑战摸清、摸准，提出有针对性的对策。同时，要以“刀在石上磨，人在事上练”的斗争意志，在实践中检验提出的对策是否科学，突出调研成果的转化运用，不断完善已有的思想准备和物质准备。“打铁还需自身硬”,广大党员只有以“内功”作为基础，同时练就过硬“外功”,才能“任凭风浪起，稳坐钓鱼船”。

(Author’s bio: Duan Ganghui, Master’s student, School of Marxism, Hainan University)

（作者简介：段港回，海南大学马克思主义学院硕士研究生）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心