Manifesting the Truth Power of Marxism in the Unity of Theory and Practice

The "Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century" clearly states: "As long as we have the courage to combine new practice to continuously advance theoretical innovation and are adept at using new theory to guide new practice, we will surely enable Marxism to demonstrate a stronger and more convincing truth power on Chinese soil." This important exposition profoundly elucidates the dialectical unity of theory and practice, radiates the intellectual brilliance of Marxist epistemology, and points the direction for action in continuously advancing theoretical innovation on the basis of practice. To this end, we must grasp the essence of theoretical innovation from the perspective of epistemology, combine it with new practice to grasp the source of theoretical innovation, and realize the value of theoretical innovation in the unity of knowledge and action, thereby manifesting the powerful truth power of Marxism.

《中共中央关于党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的决议》明确指出：“只要我们勇于结合新的实践不断推进理论创新、善于用新的理论指导新的实践，就一定能够让马克思主义在中国大地上展现出更强大、更有说服力的真理力量。”这一重要论述，深刻阐明了理论和实践的辩证统一关系，闪耀着马克思主义认识论的思想光芒，为不断推进实践基础上的理论创新指明了行动方向。为此，我们需从认识论高度把握理论创新实质、结合新的实践把握理论创新源泉、在知行合一中实现理论创新价值，进而展现马克思主义强大真理力量。

I

一

What is the essence of theoretical innovation? To truly achieve a profound understanding of theoretical innovation, or to attain the consciousness of theoretical innovation, one must grasp the essential orientation of theoretical innovation. Marxist epistemology points out that the essence of cognition is the active reflection of the subject on the basis of practice. As a form of rational cognitive activity, the essence of theoretical innovation is not limited to reflecting the phenomena of things, but must also reveal the essence and laws of things. Lenin pointed out: "Man's consciousness not only reflects the objective world, but also creates it." [1]1 Lenin, "Conspectus of Hegel's The Science of Logic," in *Collected Works*, Vol. 38, p. 228. Therefore, the creativity of active reflection is extremely important for theoretical innovation. Within the perspective of Marxist epistemology, theoretical innovation must both adhere to the viewpoint that practice is primary and uphold the basic principles of Marxism and the positions, viewpoints, and methods that run through them. This is determined by the essence of Marxist theoretical innovation.

理论创新的实质是什么？要真正做到对理论创新的深刻理解，或者说达到理论创新的自觉，必须掌握理论创新的实质指向。马克思主义认识论指出，认识的本质是主体在实践基础上的能动反映。理论创新作为一种理性认识活动，其实质不仅限于反映事物的现象，更要揭示事物的本质和规律。列宁指出：“人的意识不仅反映客观世界，并且创造客观世界。”因此，能动反映的创造性对理论创新极为重要。在马克思主义认识论视域里，理论创新既要坚持实践第一的观点，又要坚持马克思主义基本原理和贯穿其中的立场观点方法，这是由马克思主义理论创新实质所决定的。

Adhering to the viewpoint that practice is primary and continuously advancing theoretical innovation on the basis of practice requires us to possess a spirit of not merely following books, not merely following superiors, but only following reality; to respect science and practice, and to form new understandings of laws in the practice of exploring scientific truth and transforming the world. It also requires us to possess a broad mind for self-renovation and self-negation, to have the courage to acknowledge and correct defects and deficiencies in cognition, to innovate in development and develop in innovation. Moreover, it requires us to have the courage and boldness to accept the test and tempering of practice. As Marx said: "It is better to compare truth to flint—the harder it is struck, the more brilliantly it shines." [2]2 Marx, "The Communism of the Paper *Rheinischer Beobachter*," in *Marx and Engels Collected Works*, Vol. 6, p. 232.

坚持实践第一的观点，不断推进实践基础上的理论创新，要求我们既要具有不唯书、不唯上、只唯实的精神，尊重科学、尊重实践，在探索科学真理、变革世界的实践中形成新的规律性认识；又要具有自我革新、自我否定的博大胸怀，勇于承认和修正认识中的缺陷与不足，在发展中创新，在创新中发展；更要具有接受实践检验和磨砺的勇气与魄力。正如马克思所说：“最好是把真理比作燧石——它受到的敲打越厉害，发射出的光辉就越灿烂。”

Adhering to the basic principles of Marxism and the positions, viewpoints, and methods that run through them is both a basic experience of the Party's theoretical innovation and a consistent criterion that the Party follows in upholding theoretical innovation. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: "The basic principles of Marxism are universal truths and possess eternal ideological value." "To deviate from or abandon Marxism, our Party would lose its soul and lose its direction. On the fundamental issue of adhering to the guidance of Marxism, we must be unwavering and cannot waver under any circumstances or at any time." It should be noted that adhering to the viewpoint that practice is primary and adhering to the basic principles of Marxism, although they belong to two different foundations—practice and theory—are not contradictory, but are completely unified. They are unified in the positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation, illuminating the path of people's quest for truth.

坚持马克思主义基本原理和贯穿其中的立场观点方法，既是党理论创新的基本经验，也是党坚持理论创新所遵循的一贯准则。习近平总书记指出：“马克思主义基本原理是普遍真理，具有永恒的思想价值。”“背离或放弃马克思主义，我们党就会失去灵魂、迷失方向。在坚持以马克思主义为指导这一根本问题上，我们必须坚定不移，任何时候任何情况下都不能动摇。”需要说明的是，坚持实践第一的观点和坚持马克思主义基本原理，二者虽然分属于实践和理论两个不同基础，但并不矛盾，而且是完全统一的，统一于理论创新和实践创新的良性互动，照亮着人们求索真理之路。

II

二

Where does theoretical innovation come from? On Marx's tombstone is engraved one of his famous sayings: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it." [3]3 Marx, "Theses on Feuerbach," Thesis XI, in *Marx and Engels Collected Works*, Vol. 5, p. 8. This saying profoundly indicates that Marxism not only possesses the theoretical character of interpreting the world, but also the practical character of changing the world. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: "The times are the mother of thought; practice is the source of theory." "The vitality of theory lies in continuous innovation." Therefore, theoretical innovation is rooted in social practice; practice is the inner source of Marxism's vitality, and the vitality and charm of Marxism come from creative development on the basis of practice.

理论创新从哪儿来？在马克思的墓碑上，镌刻着他的一句名言：“哲学家们只是用不同的方式解释世界，而问题在于改变世界。”这句话深刻表明，马克思主义不仅具有解释世界的理论品格，而且具有改变世界的实践品格。习近平总书记指出：“时代是思想之母，实践是理论之源。”“理论的生命力在于不断创新。”所以，理论创新根源于社会实践，实践是马克思主义生命力的内在源泉，马克思主义的活力与魅力来自实践基础上的创造性发展。

The requirements of new practice have three dimensions. First, practice that directly confronts China's concrete realities. Based on the new historical juncture, creatively apply Marxist historical materialism to the concrete practice of resolving the principal contradiction in society, actively respond to the new trends in the people's pursuit of interests, "promptly answer the questions of the times and the questions of the people, clear away the ideological fog that perplexes and constrains practical development, and continuously advance the Sinicization, modernization, and popularization of Marxism," [4]4 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Conference Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Marx's Birth," May 4, 2018. continuously exerting the scientific nature of Marxist truth in the process of clarifying the fundamentals and upholding integrity and innovation. Second, practice that conforms to the general trend of the world. The current changes unseen in a century in the world and the strategic overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation are intersecting historically. The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been completely overcome, and the Ukraine crisis has followed one after another. The already uncertain international situation has become even more complex and turbulent. This itself is a manifestation of global historical and revolutionary changes occurring in the world economy, politics, military, science and technology, and other fields. Although peace, development, cooperation, and win-win have become the trend of the times, non-traditional security issues such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and climate change are intertwined and spreading. The resolution of these practical problems cannot be separated from the guidance of Marxism. Third, practice oriented toward the future. Practical development has no end, so our understanding of truth and our theoretical innovation have no end. Looking to the future, Marxist theoretical innovation must, in exploring new issues raised by the development of the times and responding to new challenges faced by human society, clarify the development trends and basic directions of world socialism. The reason why Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism and Marxism of the 21st century lies in its grounding in the greatest socialist practice of the 21st century globally, namely the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has provided Chinese solutions and contributed Chinese wisdom to solving human problems. Its practical effectiveness has profoundly changed China and the world, making China the mainstay and flag-bearer for the development and revitalization of world socialism.

新的实践要求有三个维度，一是直面中国具体实际的实践。立足新的历史方位，将马克思主义唯物史观创造性运用于解决社会主要矛盾的具体实践，积极回应人民群众利益追求新趋势，“及时回答时代之问、人民之问，廓清困扰和束缚实践发展的思想迷雾，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化大众化”，在正本清源、守正创新中不断发挥马克思主义真理的科学性。二是顺应世界大势的实践。当今世界百年未有之大变局与中华民族伟大复兴战略全局历史性交汇，新冠肺炎疫情尚未彻底战胜，乌克兰危机又接踵而来，本来就充满不确定性的国际局势变得更加复杂动荡，这本身就是世界经济、政治、军事、科技等领域发生的全球历史性革命性变化的一个表征。和平、发展、合作、共赢虽已成为时代潮流，但恐怖主义、网络安全、气候变化等非传统安全交织蔓延。这些现实问题的解决离不开马克思主义的指导。三是面向未来的实践。实践发展永无止境，我们认识真理、进行理论创新就永无止境。面向未来，马克思主义理论创新必须在探索时代发展提出的新课题、回应人类社会面临的新挑战中，澄明世界社会主义发展趋势和基本走向。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想之所以是当代中国马克思主义、二十一世纪马克思主义，就在于其立足21世纪全球最伟大的社会主义实践，即中国特色社会主义伟大实践，为解决人类问题提供了中国方案，贡献了中国智慧，其实践成效深刻改变了中国和世界，使中国成为世界社会主义发展振兴的中流砥柱和旗帜引领。

III

三

Where does theoretical innovation go? "Where it comes from, where it goes" is both a philosophical proposition for Communists to examine their original aspiration and founding mission and a practical proposition for realizing the value of theoretical innovation. Comrade Mao Zedong pointed out: "If we have a correct theory but merely prattle about it, pigeonhole it, and do not put it into practice, then that theory, however good, is meaningless." [5]5 Mao Zedong, "On Practice," July 1937, in *Selected Works of Mao Tse-tung*, Vol. I, p. 304. It can be seen that the entire significance of theory lies in returning to practice and serving practice. Only by returning to new practice and serving new practice can the achievements of theoretical innovation play a significant guiding role. If one cannot put a single word into practice, ten thousand volumes are empty. [6]6 A classical Chinese saying from the Ming dynasty scholar Lin Hong's *A Collection of Goose-Tracks*, emphasizing the emptiness of knowledge without action. For theoretical innovation, the unity of knowledge and action is the best method to solve the "where to go" problem, and the key lies in achieving "true knowledge" and "true action."

理论创新往哪儿去？“从哪儿来，往哪儿去”，既是共产党人叩问初心使命的哲学命题，也是实现理论创新价值的现实命题。毛泽东同志指出：“如果有了正确的理论，只是把它空谈一阵，束之高阁，并不实行，那么，这种理论再好也是没有意义的。”可见，理论的全部意义在于回到实践中去，为实践服务。理论创新成果只有回到新的实践中去、服务于新的实践，才能发挥重大先导作用。一语不能践，万卷徒空虚。对于理论创新而言，知行合一是解决“往哪儿去”的最好方法，关键在于做到“真知”“真行”。

Accurately grasp the two situations of "change" and "no change" to achieve "true knowledge" of new practice. The so-called "change" refers to the world conditions, national conditions, and Party conditions that have already undergone and are undergoing profound changes. World history is in a period of major development, major transformation, and major adjustment. China is moving toward great rejuvenation at an unstoppable pace, with opportunities and challenges coexisting, and dreams and the future advancing side by side. The so-called "no change" refers to the fact that the era theme of peace and development has not changed, and the basic national condition that China is in the primary stage of socialism has not changed. To achieve "true knowledge" of new practice, it is necessary to study and adapt to new changes and new requirements, so that subjective understanding truly conforms to objective reality, and theory, line, principles, and policies are more adapted to new practical development. Only in this way can we fundamentally grasp the correct direction of contemporary China's development and progress and safeguard the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people.

把准“变”与“不变”两种情况，对新的实践做到“真知”。所谓“变”，就是已经并正在发生深刻变化的世情国情党情。世界历史正处于大发展大变革大调整时期，中国正在以不可阻挡的步伐迈向伟大复兴，机遇与挑战并存，梦想与未来齐驱。所谓“不变”，就是和平与发展的时代主题没有变，中国处于社会主义初级阶段的基本国情没有变。对新的实践做到“真知”，就要研究和适应新变化新要求，使主观认识真正符合客观实际，使理论和路线方针政策更加适应新的实践发展。这样，才能从根本上把握住当代中国发展进步的正确方向，保障好最广大人民群众的根本利益。

By grounding ourselves in solving practical problems, grasping the focal point for resolving the contradiction between “knowing” and “doing,” and guiding new practice with new theory, can we achieve “true practice.” Marx profoundly pointed out that for an era, “the main difficulty is not the answer, but the question.” [7]7 This is a paraphrase of a statement by Marx, often cited in Chinese Marxist discourse to emphasize the primacy of identifying and addressing real contradictions. Questions are the slogan of the times, the external manifestation of the internal contradictory movement of things. The primary stage of socialism is the largest national condition and the largest reality of contemporary China, and development remains the key to solving all of China’s problems. Taking the solution of practical problems as the entry point, enhancing the ability to guide new practice with new theory, the focus should fall on solving practical problems in reform and development. Guiding new practice with developing Marxism, solving practical problems of reform and development in new practice, and advancing the practice of reform and development in the course of solving problems—this is the correct choice for resolving the contradiction between “knowing” and “doing,” and it is also the true essence of being adept at guiding new practice with new theory.

立足解决实际问题，抓住化解“知”与“行”矛盾的着力点，用新的理论指导新的实践才能“真行”。马克思曾深刻指出，对一个时代来说，“主要的困难不是答案，而是问题”。问题是时代的口号，是事物内在矛盾运动的外在呈现。社会主义初级阶段是当代中国的最大国情、最大实际，发展仍然是解决中国一切问题的关键。以解决实际问题为切入点，提升运用新的理论指导新的实践的能力，重点应落到解决改革发展中的实际问题。用发展着的马克思主义指导新的实践，在新的实践中解决改革发展实际问题，在解决问题中推进改革发展实践，才是化解“知”与“行”矛盾的正确选择，也是善于运用新的理论指导新的实践的真谛。

The New Era calls for new theory, and new theory guides new practice. Marxism does not end truth, but opens up the path to truth. In the New Era, only by adhering to the guidance of Marxism, daring to innovate and being good at innovation, continuing to advance the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the fine traditional Chinese culture, [8]8 This refers to the “Two Integrations” (两个结合), a key theoretical formulation under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which expands the integration of Marxism with Chinese practice to include integration with China’s traditional culture. and continuing to adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times and use it to guide practice, can we surely enable Marxism to radiate even more brilliant truth light on the land of China.

新时代呼唤新理论，新理论指导新实践。马克思主义并没有结束真理，而是开辟了通向真理的道路。新时代，只有坚持以马克思主义为指导，勇于创新，善于创新，继续推进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，继续推进马克思主义中国化时代化并用以指导实践，就一定能够让马克思主义在中国大地上放射出更加灿烂的真理光芒。

Online editor: Paul

网络编辑：保罗