Scientifically Grasping the Theoretical Connotations of “Measure”

Within the Marxist perspective, “measure” (du) is not only the bridge connecting quantitative change and qualitative change, but also a key yardstick for understanding the laws of development and change in things, analyzing social phenomena, and guiding practical activities. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the strategic value of grasping “measure.” For example, when elaborating on the art of struggle, he proposed that “according to the needs of the situation, we must grasp the timing, measure, and effect, and adjust struggle strategies in a timely manner”; when speaking of comprehensively grasping new changes in aggregate supply and demand, he required that “when necessary, we must act resolutely while properly grasping the measure”; when discussing promoting a fundamental transformation in the mode of resource utilization, he stressed that “we must properly grasp the measure in the development and utilization of natural resources, and not exceed the carrying capacity of natural resources”; and so on. Deeply excavating the treasure trove of thought on “measure” among classical Marxist writers, and thoroughly understanding the philosophical implications behind “measure,” is of great significance for identifying the essential characteristics of complex social phenomena and enhancing the ability to use scientific theory to guide practice.

在马克思主义视域中，“度”不仅是连接量变与质变的桥梁，更是理解事物发展变化规律、剖析社会现象以及指导实践活动的关键标尺。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记多次强调把握“度”的战略价值。例如，在阐述斗争艺术时，提出“要根据形势需要，把握时、度、效，及时调整斗争策略”；在讲到全面把握总供求关系新变化时，要求“必要时在把握好度的前提下坚定出手”；在谈及推动资源利用方式根本转变时，强调“把握好自然资源开发利用的度，不要突破自然资源承载能力”；等等。深入挖掘马克思主义经典作家关于“度”的思想宝库，透彻理解“度”背后的哲学意蕴，对于辨识复杂社会现象的本质特征，增强运用科学理论指导实践的能力意义重大。

“Measure” is the “critical point” from quantitative change to qualitative change

“度”是量变到质变的“临界点”

The law of the mutual transformation of quality and quantity reveals that the development of things is a process unifying gradualness and leap, and “measure” is precisely the core pivot of this law.

质量互变规律揭示了事物发展是一个渐进性与飞跃性相统一的过程，而“度”正是这一规律的核心枢纽。

“Measure” is the boundary point that gauges the accumulation of quantitative change in things. In the process of thing development, “measure” embodies the internal unity of the “quality” and “quantity” of a thing. Once quantitative change breaks through this boundary point of “measure,” the thing undergoes a qualitative leap, transforming into a new qualitative state. Marx pointed out that “purely quantitative changes, at a certain point, turn into qualitative differences.” [1]1 Karl Marx, *Capital*, Vol. 1, Chapter 11, Section 2. This “certain point” is precisely the essence of “measure”—it is both the ultimate boundary for the continuation of a thing’s old quality and the critical starting point for the generation of a new quality. In practice, grasping “measure” means scientifically identifying and strictly controlling this boundary point, preventing actions that exceed the limits of the thing, and ensuring that the thing always remains within the reasonable scope of “measure” where “quality” and “quantity” are unified.

“度”是衡量事物量变积累的边界点。在事物发展过程中，“度”体现了事物“质”和“量”的内在统一，一旦量变突破“度”这一边界点，事物就会发生质的飞跃，转化为新的质态。马克思指出，“单纯的量的变化到一定点时就转变为质的区别”。这里的“一定点”正是“度”的本质——既是事物旧质存续的最终界限，也是新质生成的临界起点。在实践中把握“度”，就是要科学辨识并严格掌控这一边界点，防止出现跨越事物限度的行为，确保事物始终处于“质”与“量”统一的“度”的合理范围内。

“Measure” is the approaching point for identifying the occurrence of qualitative change in things. As the quantitative limit within which a thing maintains its qualitative determinacy, “measure” is a dynamic precursor to the generation of qualitative change. When the quantitative movement of a thing approaches the adjacent region where qualitative change occurs, the stability of its qualitative state tends to weaken. In essence, “measure” is the lower-limit representation of a thing maintaining its existing qualitative state. As Engels stated, “pure quantitative division has a limit, and at that limit it turns into qualitative difference.” [2]2 Friedrich Engels, *Dialectics of Nature*, “Dialectics.” This “limit” here is both the ultimate boundary of the thing’s existing qualitative state and the channel of transformation between quantitative and qualitative change. To exert subjective initiative, to both hold fast to the foundation of development in work and seize the key moment for change, one must grasp this deep-seated law of thing development.

“度”是辨识事物质变发生的临近点。“度”作为事物保持质的规定性的数量界限，是质变生成的动态前兆。当事物的量变运动逼近发生质变的临近区域时，其质态稳定性便会呈现出弱化趋势。“度”在本质上就是事物保持其现有质态的下限表征，正如恩格斯所言，“纯粹的量的分割是有一个极限的，到了这个极限，量的分割就转化为质的差别”。此处的“极限”，既是事物现存质态的最终边界，又是量变质变的转化通道。发挥主观能动性，在工作中既守住发展的根本，也抓住变革的关键时机，就要把握好这一事物发展的深层规律。

“Measure” is an effective yardstick for judging the degree of development of things. Engels pointed out in *Dialectics of Nature*: “In nature, qualitative changes—which in each individual case occur in a strictly determined way—can only take place through the quantitative addition or subtraction of matter or motion (so-called energy).” [3]3 Friedrich Engels, *Dialectics of Nature*, “Basic Forms of Motion.” Lenin wrote in *Philosophical Notebooks*: “Changes in existence never occur merely as a transition from one quantity to another, but as a transition from quality to quantity and from quantity to quality, as a becoming-other, i.e., an interruption of gradualness and an otherness qualitatively different from the preceding determinate being.” [4]4 V. I. Lenin, *Philosophical Notebooks*, “On the Question of Dialectics.” This not only issues a philosophical warning to people that once a thing crosses the critical point, qualitative change will inevitably occur, but also emphasizes the objective necessity of “measure” as a yardstick for judging thing development—when quantitative change accumulates within the boundary point, the yardstick of “measure” measures the stability of thing development; when thing development breaks through the critical point, the yardstick of “measure” marks the stage-by-stage qualitative leap.

“度”是判断事物发展程度的有效标尺。恩格斯在《自然辩证法》中指出：“在自然界中，质的变化——在每一个别场合都是按照各自的严格确定的方式进行的——只有通过物质或运动（所谓能）的量的增加或减少才能发生。”列宁在《哲学笔记》中写道，“存在的变化从来都不仅是从一个量过渡到另一个量，而是从质过渡到量和从量过渡到质，是向他物的变易，即渐进过程的中断以及与先前的定在有质的不同的他物”。这不仅向人们发出了事物越过临界点必然会发生质变的哲学预警，也强调了“度”作为判断事物发展标尺的客观必然性——当量变在边界点内积累，“度”这把标尺度量的就是事物发展的稳定性；当事物发展突破临界点，“度”这把标尺标记的就是阶段性的质变飞跃。

If “measure” is not properly grasped, “truth will turn into error”

掌握不好“度”，“真理便会变成错误”

“Measure” is not an abstract concept, but an objective standard that people can concretely perceive in practice. In the process of understanding and transforming the world, we should better grasp the boundaries of the “measure” of things.

“度”并非抽象的概念，而是人们在实践中具体可感的客观标准。我们在认识世界和改造世界的过程中，应更好地把握事物“度”的界限。

The practical activity of people understanding and transforming the world is also a process of discovering truth, grasping truth, and developing truth by following the objective laws of thing development. “Measure” represents the unity of the “quality” and “quantity” of a thing, maintaining the thing’s own determinacy. In practice, only by objectively grasping the “measure” of thing change and development can people discover and possess truth; once our understanding exceeds the scope and boundaries of the “measure” of things, the conditions and foundations on which the original truth depends will change, thereby causing its nature to undergo a fundamental transformation. As Engels pointed out: “Truth and error, like all logical categories that move in polar opposites, have absolute validity only within a very limited field.” [5]5 Friedrich Engels, *Anti-Dühring*, Part I, Chapter 9.

人们认识世界和改造世界的实践活动，也是遵循事物发展客观规律去发现真理、掌握真理、发展真理的过程。“度”代表着事物“质”与“量”的统一，保持着事物的自身规定性。在实践中，人们只有客观把握事物变化发展的“度”，才能发现并拥有真理；而我们的认识一旦跨越事物“度”的范围和界限，原有真理所依赖的条件和基础就会发生改变，从而导致其性质发生根本转变。正如恩格斯所指出的：“真理和谬误，正如一切在两极对立中运动的逻辑范畴一样，只是在非常有限的领域内才具有绝对的意义。”

Truth is a dialectical unity of absoluteness and relativity; any truth is valid only within a certain scope and under certain conditions. Beyond this scope and these conditions, it turns into error. Lenin’s statement that “if you take only one step further, a seemingly small step in the same direction, truth will turn into error” [6]6 V. I. Lenin, *“Left-Wing” Communism: An Infantile Disorder*, Chapter 10. is precisely this principle. It can be seen that “measure” is crucial in the relationship of the unity of opposites between truth and error. Only by using the standard of “measure” to actively understand objective laws and grasp the key nodes of the transformation between truth and error can we prevent truth from turning into error. To this end, we must both possess a clear mind and dialectical thinking, and on the basis of respecting objective laws, actively engage in rational thinking and analysis to clearly distinguish the boundaries of the “measure” of things in the infinitely developing material world; and we must also adhere to integrating theory with practice, proceeding from reality in everything, testing and developing truth in practice, and guarding the lifeline of truth. As Lenin pointed out: “Man’s practice, repeated billions of times, becomes fixed in his consciousness as logical figures. These figures have the stability of a prejudice and an axiomatic character precisely (and only) because of this billion-fold repetition.” [7]7 V. I. Lenin, *Philosophical Notebooks*, “Conspectus of Hegel’s *Science of Logic*.”

真理是绝对性与相对性的辩证统一，任何真理都只是在一定范围与条件下才能成立，超出这个范围与条件，就会变成谬误。列宁所说的“只要再多走一小步，仿佛是向同一方向迈的一小步，真理便会变成错误”就是这个道理。可见，“度”在真理与谬误的对立统一关系中至关重要。而只有运用“度”的标准主动认识客观规律，掌握真理与错误转化的关键节点，才能防止真理变成错误。为此，我们既要具备清醒头脑与辩证思维，在尊重客观规律的基础上，主动进行理性思考和分析，明辨无限发展着的物质世界中事物“度”的界限；又要坚持理论联系实际，一切从实际出发，在实践中检验和发展真理，守住真理的生命线。正如列宁指出的：“人的实践经过亿万次的重复，在人的意识中以逻辑的式固定下来。这些式正是（而且只是）由于亿万次的重复才有着先入之见的巩固性和公理的性质。”

Grasping and applying “measure” well with a spirit of historical initiative

以历史主动精神把握和运用好“度”

To continuously advance the various undertakings of the Party and the state on the new journey, it is necessary to accurately recognize “measure,” objectively grasp “measure,” and scientifically apply “measure.”

新征程上推动党和国家各项事业不断向前发展，就要准确认识“度”、客观把握“度”、科学运用“度”。

Accurately recognize “measure,” understand the scope of boundaries for maintaining the stability of a thing’s quality, and respond to uncertainty with certainty. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “We must assess the situation, comprehensively grasp and accurately judge changes in the domestic and international economic situation, adhere to bottom-line thinking, and be prepared to deal with various new challenges.” [8]8 Xi Jinping, speech at a meeting on economic work, 2014. On the new journey, the domestic and international situation is undergoing profound changes, with various new contradictions and risks interwoven. Only by accurately recognizing “measure” can we more consciously apply the worldview and methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, discern the laws of historical development, grasp historical initiative, ensure that the “measure” of the thing’s qualitative state is always above the bottom line and within the red line, and resolutely control the “measure” of the quantitative state within the limit threshold.

准确认识“度”，了解保持事物质的稳定性的界限范围，以确定性应对不确定性。习近平总书记指出：“我们必须审时度势，全面把握和准确判断国内国际经济形势变化，坚持底线思维，做好应对各种新挑战的准备。”新征程上，国内外形势深刻变化，各种新的矛盾和风险相互交织。只有准确认识“度”，才能更加自觉地运用辩证唯物主义和历史唯物主义的世界观方法论，洞察历史发展规律，掌握历史主动，确保事物质态的“度”始终在底线之上、红线以内，坚决把量态的“度”控制在极限阈值之内。

Objectively grasp “measure,” accurately assess the development trend, and ensure that things develop and change within the required limits. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “We must maintain strategic resolve, adhere to a problem-oriented approach, adapt to the situation, make overall plans, implement precise policies, take concrete and effective measures to prevent and resolve major contradictions and prominent issues, and promote reform to better serve the overall situation of economic and social development.” [9]9 Xi Jinping, speech at the Central Economic Work Conference, 2018. Precise grasping of “measure” is key to improving strategic thinking ability, carrying forward the spirit of struggle, and promoting the development of various undertakings in the expected direction. For example, taking the satisfaction of the people’s growing needs for a better life as the yardstick, we must continuously promote high-quality economic development, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, strengthen the supply of high-quality educational resources, and build beautiful villages; in the face of a situation where values are diverse and changeable and ideological struggle is increasingly fierce, we must continuously develop socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for the New Era and consolidate the subjectivity of Chinese culture; and so on.

客观把握“度”，准确研判发展态势，确保事物在需要限度内发展变化。习近平总书记指出，“我们要保持战略定力，坚持问题导向，因势利导、统筹谋划、精准施策，在防范化解重大矛盾和突出问题上出实招硬招，推动改革更好服务经济社会发展大局”。对“度”的精准把握，是提高战略思维能力，发扬斗争精神，推动各项事业朝着预期方向发展的关键。例如，以满足人民日益增长的美好生活需要为尺度，持续推动经济高质量发展、促进文明交流互鉴、加强优质教育资源供给以及美丽乡村建设；面对价值观念多元多变、意识形态领域斗争日益激烈的局面，不断发展新时代中国特色社会主义文化，巩固中华文化主体性；等等。

Scientifically apply “measure,” fully give play to the historical initiative spirit, foster new opportunities amidst crises, and open up new horizons amidst changes. On the one hand, handle the proportion of “measure” with precision, rationally adjust institutions and mechanisms, and advance the development of various undertakings of Chinese-path modernization. For example, in improving the foundational systems for ecological civilization, implement a system of ecological and environmental management that is region-specific, differentiated, and precisely controlled, and improve the ecological and environmental monitoring and evaluation system. On the other hand, control the heat of “measure” with care, prepare risk contingency plans, formulate detailed response plans for the worst-case scenarios that may arise, and enhance the capacity to withstand risks. For example, in deepening the reform of the science and technology system, build a system for monitoring, early warning, and response to science and technology security risks, and strengthen the autonomous guarantee of basic conditions for science and technology. Only by transforming the philosophical wisdom of “measure” into institutional effectiveness can we proceed steadily and far-reachingly while upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, and achieve high-quality development in dynamic equilibrium.

科学运用“度”，充分发挥历史主动精神，在危机中育先机、于变局中开新局。一方面，拿捏好“度”的分寸，合理调适体制机制，推动中国式现代化各项事业发展。例如，在完善生态文明基础体制方面，实施分区域、差异化、精准管控的生态环境管理制度，健全生态环境监测和评价制度。另一方面，掌控好“度”的火候，做好风险预案，针对可能出现的最坏情况，制定详细的应对方案，增强抵御风险的能力。例如，在深化科技体制改革方面，构建科技安全风险监测预警和应对体系，加强科技基础条件自主保障。只有将“度”的哲学智慧转化为制度效能，才能在守正创新中行稳致远，在动态平衡中实现高质量发展。

(Author: Zhang Ziyu, researcher at the Zhejiang Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and Deputy Dean of the School of Marxism at Zhejiang University of Technology)

（作者：张子玉，系浙江省习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想研究中心研究员、浙江工业大学马克思主义学院学术副院长）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心