Accurately Understanding the Basic Principles of Marxism in the "Two Integrations"

The "Two Integrations," namely integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific realities and with the finest traditional Chinese culture, positions the "basic principles of Marxism" as dominant within the "Two Integrations." To accurately grasp the "Two Integrations," one must first accurately understand the "basic principles of Marxism." The author notes that in current discussions on the "Two Integrations," attention to the "basic principles of Marxism" is a relatively weak or even neglected issue.

“两个结合”，即把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，“马克思主义基本原理”在“两个结合”中处于主导地位，准确把握“两个结合”，首先要准确理解“马克思主义基本原理”。笔者注意到在目前有关“两个结合”的讨论中，对“马克思主义基本原理”的关注是一个相对薄弱甚至是被忽视的问题。

The "Basic Principles of Marxism" as a Contemporary Expression of Historical Exploration

“马克思主义基本原理”是历史探索的时代表达

The "Two Integrations" now have a standardized formulation, in which "basic principles of Marxism" is the standard usage. However, the theoretical innovation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was not achieved overnight. Since the "First Integration" was proposed, this concept has had multiple expressions.

“两个结合”当今有规范的表述，“马克思主义基本原理”是这一规范表述中的标准用法。然而，中国共产党的理论创新不是一蹴而就的，自提出“第一个结合”之后，这个概念曾有多种表述。

Regarding "Marxism," people sometimes also use the terms "Marxism-Leninism" or "Marxism-Leninism" as an abbreviation, generally in informal or spoken contexts. In the history of the CPC, the usage of these two terms has differed. Overall, before the founding of the People's Republic of China, the frequency of using "Marxism" and "Marxism-Leninism" was roughly equal. For example, in the *Selected Works of Mao Zedong*, the number of occurrences of both is nearly the same. After the founding of the PRC, the frequency of "Marxism" was significantly higher than that of "Marxism-Leninism." For instance, in Volumes 6, 7, and 8 of the *Collected Works of Mao Zedong*, which collect works from after the founding of the PRC, this pattern is evident, with "Marxism" appearing five or six times as often as "Marxism-Leninism." After reform and opening up, "Marxism" became the more mainstream usage.

关于“马克思主义”，人们有时也使用“马克思列宁主义”“马列主义”的提法。“马列主义”，可以作“马克思列宁主义”的简称，一般多在非正式场合、口语中使用。在中国共产党的历史上，两者的使用情况是不一样的。总体上，新中国成立前，我们使用“马克思主义”与“马克思列宁主义”的频率差不多。比如在《毛泽东选集》中，两者的使用次数几乎相当。新中国成立后，“马克思主义”使用频率明显高于“马克思列宁主义”，比如收集新中国成立后著作的《毛泽东文集》6、7、8卷就明显出现这种情况，“马克思主义”的出现次数是“马克思列宁主义”的五六倍。改革开放后，马克思主义是更主流的用法。

Regarding "basic principles," the terms "universal truth" and "universal principles" have also been used, as well as "basic tenets." Overall, before the founding of the PRC, "universal truth" was used almost exclusively. For example, the *Selected Works of Mao Zedong* contains almost no instances of "basic principles." After the founding of the PRC, both terms began to be used concurrently, but "universal truth" was still more common. After reform and opening up, the usage of "basic principles" became prevalent. In important documents since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, "universal truth" is essentially no longer used.

关于“基本原理”，有时也使用“普遍真理”“普遍原理”的提法，还有用“基本原则”的。总体情况是，新中国成立前几乎全用“普遍真理”。比如，《毛泽东选集》中几乎没出现过“基本原理”的用法。新中国成立后，两者开始并用，但“普遍真理”还是多一些。改革开放后，“基本原理”的用法开始盛行。党的十八大以来的重要文献中，基本不使用“普遍真理”。

Attention should also be paid to some special usages. First, whether the possessive particle "de" (的) is present in the phrase. In the past, "the universal truth of Marxism" (马克思主义的普遍真理) included "de," whereas now, between "Marxism" and "basic principles," "de" is generally not added. Whether "de" is added makes no substantive difference in Chinese semantics, but it does distinguish between precision and conciseness of expression. Second, there are cases where "Marxism" is used alone without appending "basic principles." For example, Deng Xiaoping said, "Our principle is to integrate Marxism with China's practice, to take our own path, which we call building socialism with Chinese characteristics." Additionally, "Marxism" has some flexible, special, and context-specific expressions, such as the experience of the international communist movement, dialectical materialism, and historical materialism.

对一些特殊用法也要注意。一是句中有没有“的”字。过去“马克思主义的普遍真理”加“的”字，现在“马克思主义”与“基本原理”之间一般不加“的”。是否加“的”字，从中文语义上并没有实质区别，但却有表达的精确或者精简与否的区分。二是有单用“马克思主义”而不缀“基本原理”的情况。如邓小平说过，“我们的原则是把马克思主义同中国的实践相结合，走中国自己的道路，我们叫建设有中国特色的社会主义”。另外，“马克思主义”还有一些变通的、特殊的、场合性的表达，如国际共产主义运动经验、辩证唯物主义、历史唯物主义等。

Overall, in the past, "the universal truth of Marxism-Leninism" was commonly used, whereas today the standard is "the basic principles of Marxism." Although these expressions are substantively the same, they reflect a deeper understanding and more precise expression on our part.

总体上，过去常用“马克思列宁主义普遍真理”，现今标准的是“马克思主义基本原理”。这些表达，虽然它们在实质上是相同的，却体现了我们认识上的更加深刻、表达上的更加精准。

Broad and Narrow Understandings of Marxism

对马克思主义的广义与狭义理解

Regarding "Marxism," there are both broad and narrow understandings. Broadly understood, Marxism refers to the thought of Marx and Engels as well as the thought of their later successors; it is a vast system and also an open, developing system. Narrowly understood, Marxism refers to the thought of the founders of Marxism. When we speak of the "Two Integrations," does the Marxism that occupies the dominant position refer to the Marxism of the classical writers, or to a Marxism that includes the achievements of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context?

对于“马克思主义”，有广义和狭义两种理解。广义的马克思主义是指马克思恩格斯的思想以及后来继承者的思想，是一个庞大的体系，也是一个开放的发展的体系。狭义的马克思主义则指马克思主义创始人的思想。我们讲“两个结合”，处于主导地位的马克思主义究竟是指经典作家的马克思主义，还是指包括马克思主义中国化成果的马克思主义？

From a semantic and logical perspective, the objects with which Marxism is integrated in the "Two Integrations" are "China's specific realities" and "the finest traditional Chinese culture," both containing the word "China." Therefore, "Marxism" here does not include the Chinese factor; it should be classical Marxism, that is, Marxism outside of China. If it included "Chinese" Marxism, then integrating it again with "China's" realities would be illogical.

从语义逻辑上，“两个结合”中马克思主义结合的对象是“中国具体实际”“中华优秀传统文化”，都有“中国”二字，那么“马克思主义”是不包括中国因素的，应该是经典马克思主义，也就是中国之外的马克思主义。如果包括了“中国”的马克思主义，却再去同“中国”的实际结合就显得不通了。

From the perspective of theoretical development, the "Two Integrations" are not a task that can be completed once and for all; they require continuous advancement. The already-formed theories of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context are both the phased achievements of the "Two Integrations" and the basis for further development through the "Two Integrations." Deng Xiaoping said in 1956, "The problems of a country are multifaceted. Whether in the period of revolution or construction, how to integrate Marxism-Leninism with the specific conditions of each period is a problem that needs constant resolution." The CPC has continuously advanced the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times "through repeated quests, repeated setbacks, and repeated explorations."

从理论发展上，“两个结合”不是一次性能够彻底完成的任务，是需要不断推进的。已经形成的马克思主义中国化理论，既是“两个结合”的阶段性成果，也是要进一步通过“两个结合”而继续发展的。邓小平1956年曾说，“一个国家的问题是多方面的，不论是革命时期还是建设时期，如何使马克思列宁主义与各个时期的具体情况相结合，这是一个需要不断解决的问题”。中国共产党是“在一次次求索、一次次挫折、一次次开拓中”，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化的。

Historically, when Mao Zedong proposed the "First Integration," he referred to classical Marxism, which obviously did not include "Mao Zedong Thought." In later references to "integration," if Marxism is to be understood appropriately and comprehensively, the already-formed theoretical achievements of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, especially Mao Zedong Thought, should be included. Deng Xiaoping pointed out, "Mao Zedong Thought upholds the universal truth of Marxism-Leninism and has added much new content to the treasure trove of Marxism-Leninism."

从历史来看，毛泽东提“第一个结合”时，指的是经典马克思主义，很显然不包括“毛泽东思想”。而在后来所提的“结合”中，如果对马克思主义比较妥当地和周延地看，应该将已经形成的马克思主义中国化的理论成果尤其是毛泽东思想纳入其中。邓小平指出，“毛泽东思想坚持了马克思列宁主义的普遍真理，并且在马克思列宁主义的宝库里面增添了很多新的内容”。

The Implications of "Basic Principles"

关于“基本原理”的寓意

The current replacement of "universal truth" with "basic principles" is also highly significant. On the one hand, "basic principles" and "universal truth" have the same meaning and were used interchangeably for a long period, both referring to the long-term, unchanging truth of Marxism. When Mao Zedong spoke of "universal truth," he pointed out, "Marxism-Leninism is the crystallization of the most correct and most revolutionary scientific thought of the world proletariat, a universal truth that holds true everywhere." Mao Zedong also stated, "The basic principles of Marxism-Leninism have not changed to this day; individual conclusions can be changed." General

现今“基本原理”替代过去“普遍真理”，也是很有深意的。一方面，“基本原理”与“普遍真理”是相同的意思，很长时期内是交替使用的，都是指马克思主义中长期的、不变的真理性认识。毛泽东谈及“普遍真理”时指出，“马克思列宁主义是世界无产阶级最正确最革命的科学思想的结晶，是放诸四海而皆准的普遍真理”。毛泽东也指出，“马列主义基本原理至今未变，个别结论可以改变”。习近平总书记指出，“时代在变化，社会在发展，但马克思主义基本原理依然是科学真理”。另一方面，使用“基本原理”的提法更严谨、更具有时代感。

Using the formulation "the basic principles of Marxism" removes the general and fragmentary viewpoints within Marxism. Distinguishing basic principles from general viewpoints is conducive to preventing dogmatism and preventing rote copying. Mao Zedong pointed out that what we must study are things that belong to universal truth; "if every sentence, including Marx's words, were to be copied mechanically, that would be disastrous." [1]1 Mao Zedong, "Rectify the Party's Style of Work" (February 1, 1942), in *Selected Works of Mao Zedong*, Vol. 3. Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "We must uphold the basic principles of Marxism, but as for the specific viewpoints and specific action programs that the classical Marxist writers put forward in response to the specific circumstances, specific conditions, and specific struggles of their time, we cannot, disregarding changes in historical conditions and actual realities, copy and apply them wholesale." [2]2 Deng Xiaoping, "Uphold the Four Cardinal Principles" (March 30, 1979), in *Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping*, Vol. 2. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "If, disregarding changes in historical conditions and actual circumstances, we rigidly adhere to certain individual theses and specific action programs that the classical Marxist writers put forward under specific historical conditions and in response to specific situations, we will, because our thinking is divorced from reality, be unable to advance smoothly, and may even commit errors." [3]3 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Conference Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Marx" (May 4, 2018).

使用“马克思主义基本原理”的提法，就去掉了马克思主义中一般性的、零碎性的观点。将基本原理与一般性观点作出区别，有利于防止教条主义、防止照搬照抄。毛泽东指出，我们要学的是属于普遍真理的东西，“如果每句话，包括马克思的话，都要照搬，那就不得了。”邓小平指出：“我们必须坚持马克思主义基本原理，但对于马克思主义经典作家针对当时的具体情况、具体条件、具体斗争提出的具体观点、具体行动纲领，就不能不顾历史条件和现实实际的变化，全部照搬照套”。习近平总书记指出，“如果不顾历史条件和现实情况变化，拘泥于马克思主义经典作家在特定历史条件下、针对具体情况作出的某些个别论断和具体行动纲领，我们就会因为思想脱离实际而不能顺利前进，甚至发生失误”。

Using the formulation “basic principles of Marxism” also helps to avoid certain appended viewpoints and erroneous viewpoints. Fragmentary viewpoints often focus only on one aspect or a specific issue of Marxist theory, while neglecting its overall nature and systematicity; misreadings may result from a one-sided understanding or erroneous interpretation of the basic principles of Marxism. Deng Xiaoping once said, “Yesterday I also discussed this issue with Chairman Mao, and he agreed with this opinion: First, the main problem now is that Mao Zedong Thought is being vulgarized, with everything being called Mao Zedong Thought. For example, if a store’s turnover increases a bit, that is said to be a development of Mao Zedong Thought, and playing table tennis is also said to be an application of Mao Zedong Thought.” [4]4 Deng Xiaoping, “On the Correct Propagation of Mao Zedong Thought” (January 27, 1960), in *Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping*, vol. 1 (Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 1994), p. 283. In the process of the development of Marxism, “it is inevitable that individual theses that, due to historical conditions, still bore utopian elements from the predecessors will be discarded, and it is inevitable that dogmatic understandings of Marxism and erroneous viewpoints appended to the name of Marxism will be eliminated.” [5]5 The quotation is from the “Resolution on Certain Historical Questions of the Party since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” (1981), which summarizes the correct attitude toward Marxism. Using “basic principles of Marxism” facilitates a separation from “individual theses,” “dogmatic understandings,” and “appended erroneous viewpoints.”

使用“马克思主义基本原理”的提法，还有利于避免一些附加的观点和错误的观点。零碎观点往往只关注马克思主义理论的某个方面或某个具体问题，而忽视了其整体性和系统性；误读则可能由于对马克思主义基本原理的片面理解或错误解释而导致。邓小平曾说，“昨天在毛主席那里还谈了这个问题，他赞成这个意见：第一，现在的主要问题是把毛泽东思想用得庸俗了，什么东西都说成是毛泽东思想。例如，一个商店的营业额多一点就说是毛泽东思想发展了，打乒乓球也说是运用了毛泽东思想”。马克思主义发展过程中，“必然要抛弃前人囿于历史条件仍然带有空想因素的个别论断，必然要破除对马克思主义的教条式理解和附加到马克思主义名义下的错误观点”。使用“马克思主义基本原理”，就有利于与“个别论断”“教条式理解”“附加的错误观点”进行切割。

The Content Orientation of the Basic Principles of Marxism

马克思主义基本原理的内容指向

The basic principles of Marxism are, first and most importantly, the worldview and methodology. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out, “To uphold Marxism, the most important thing is to uphold the basic principles of Marxism and the positions, viewpoints, and methods that run through them. This is the essence and living soul of Marxism.” [6]6 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Conference Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Marx” (May 4, 2018), in *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, vol. 3 (Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 2020), p. 75. “Read the original works, study the original texts, and comprehend the principles, especially the Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods contained within them.” [7]7 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Seminar for Leading Cadres at the Provincial and Ministerial Level on the Study and Implementation of the Spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC” (January 5, 2018), in *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, vol. 3, p. 75. Here, the worldview and methodology of Marxism are emphasized, which includes “seeking truth from facts” as the “essence” of Marxism.

马克思主义基本原理，首先和最重要的是世界观方法论。习近平总书记指出，“坚持马克思主义，最重要的是坚持马克思主义基本原理和贯穿其中的立场、观点、方法。这是马克思主义的精髓和活的灵魂。”“读原著、学原文、悟原理，特别是要理解其中包含的马克思主义立场、观点、方法。”这里，强调了马克思主义的世界观方法论，其中就包含“实事求是”这个马克思主义的“精髓”。

There are some major basic theses concerning the basic principles of Marxism. The principles of Marxist philosophy include: the world is material, and matter is in eternal motion and change. Productive forces determine relations of production, and relations of production react upon productive forces; the economic base determines the superstructure, and the superstructure reacts upon the economic base. The principles of political economy include: labor is the sole source of value, and the magnitude of value of a commodity is determined by the socially necessary labor time expended in its production. The theory of surplus value reveals the secret of capitalist exploitation; capital achieves accumulation and valorization through the unpaid appropriation of the surplus value created by workers. The principles of scientific socialism include: the historical trend of the inevitable demise of capitalism and the inevitable victory of socialism, the historical mission of the proletariat to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a socialist society, and the free and comprehensive development of each individual in a future society. These basic principles of Marxism are interconnected and mutually supportive, jointly constituting the theoretical edifice of Marxism.

关于马克思主义基本原理有一些重大的基本论断。马克思主义哲学原理包括：世界是物质的，物质处于永恒的运动与变化之中。生产力决定生产关系，生产关系反作用于生产力；经济基础决定上层建筑，上层建筑对经济基础具有反作用。政治经济学原理包括：劳动是价值的唯一源泉，商品的价值量由生产商品所耗费的社会必要劳动时间决定。剩余价值理论揭示了资本主义剥削的秘密，资本通过无偿占有工人创造的剩余价值实现积累与增值。科学社会主义原理包括：资本主义必然灭亡、社会主义必然胜利的历史趋势，无产阶级肩负着推翻资本主义制度、建立社会主义社会的历史使命，未来社会每个人自由而全面发展。这些马克思主义基本原理相互联系、相互支撑，共同构成了马克思主义的理论大厦。

Of course, the understanding of the basic principles of Marxism is also constantly deepening and constantly changing. Any specific enumeration of the basic principles of Marxism can never be exhaustive, nor can it be fixed and immutable. The basic principles of Marxism must be viewed from a developmental perspective.

当然，对马克思主义基本原理的认识也是不断深化、不断变化的。马克思主义基本原理的任何具体的列举，都不可能是穷尽的，也不可能是固定不变的。要以发展的观点看待马克思主义基本原理。

(The author is a professor at the School of Marxism Studies, Renmin University of China, and Director of the 21st Century Chinese Marxism Research Center)

（作者为中国人民大学马克思主义学院教授、21世纪中国马克思主义研究中心主任）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心