Integrate the Essence of Marxist Thought with the Cream of Fine Traditional Chinese Culture

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC: “We must strengthen our historical confidence and confidence in our culture, adhere to the principle of making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new, integrate the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture and with the common values that the people unconsciously hold, constantly endow scientific theory with distinct Chinese characteristics, and constantly consolidate the historical and mass foundations for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, so that Marxism is firmly rooted in China.” To integrate the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture, it is necessary to deeply comprehend the essence of Marxist thought, continuously excavate the ideological cream in fine traditional Chinese culture, and thoroughly study the internal logic of the integration of the essence of Marxist thought with fine traditional Chinese culture.

习近平总书记在党的二十大报告中指出：“我们必须坚定历史自信、文化自信，坚持古为今用、推陈出新，把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华贯通起来、同人民群众日用而不觉的共同价值观念融通起来，不断赋予科学理论鲜明的中国特色，不断夯实马克思主义中国化时代化的历史基础和群众基础，让马克思主义在中国牢牢扎根。”把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华贯通起来，需要深刻领会马克思主义思想精髓，不断发掘中华优秀传统文化中的思想精华，深入研究马克思主义思想精髓与中华优秀传统文化相贯通的内在逻辑。

Marxism has always absorbed and drawn upon all outstanding achievements of human civilization with an open attitude.

马克思主义始终以开放态度吸收借鉴人类文明一切优秀成果

The emergence of a system of thought requires drawing nourishment from the existing achievements of human civilization. Marx pointed out: “Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past.” Marxism brought about a great transformation in the history of human thought. It is close to social reality, reflects practical experience, and responds to the will of the people, while always absorbing and drawing upon all outstanding achievements of human civilization with an open attitude. The three major components constituting the main content of Marxism—philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism—respectively drew upon and developed German classical philosophy, British classical political economy, and French utopian socialism. It is precisely on the basis of the achievements of predecessors that Marxism stands higher, sees deeper, and goes further.

一种思想体系的产生，需要从人类文明既有成果中汲取养分。马克思指出：“人们自己创造自己的历史，但是他们并不是随心所欲地创造，并不是在他们自己选定的条件下创造，而是在直接碰到的、既定的、从过去承继下来的条件下创造。”马克思主义实现了人类思想史上的伟大变革，它贴近社会现实、映照实践经验、呼应人民意愿，同时始终以开放态度吸收借鉴人类文明一切优秀成果。构成马克思主义主要内容的哲学、政治经济学、科学社会主义三大组成部分，分别借鉴并发展了德国古典哲学、英国古典政治经济学、法国空想社会主义。正是在前人取得成就的基础上，马克思主义才站得更高、看得更深、走得更远。

At the same time, Marxism is not a dogma but a scientific method. Engels profoundly pointed out: “Marx’s whole world outlook is not a doctrine, but a method. It provides not ready-made dogmas, but starting points for further research and the method for this research.” The basic principles of Marxism must be closely integrated with the actual conditions of each country and keep pace with the times in order to play a guiding role in practice. Adhering to and applying Marxism also cannot adopt a dogmatic or pragmatic attitude. On the basis of comprehensively mastering its standpoints, viewpoints, and methods, efforts must be made to grasp its ideological essence and apply the scientific world outlook and methodology contained therein to guide practice. This is the theoretical character and inherent requirement of Marxism. Dialectical materialism and historical materialism are the concentrated embodiment of the standpoints, viewpoints, and methods of Marxism, providing us with a powerful ideological weapon for understanding and transforming the world.

同时，马克思主义不是教条，而是科学方法。恩格斯深刻指出：“马克思的整个世界观不是教义，而是方法。它提供的不是现成的教条，而是进一步研究的出发点和供这种研究使用的方法。”马克思主义基本原理必须同各国实际紧密结合、与时俱进，才能发挥对实践的指导作用。坚持和运用马克思主义，也不能采取教条主义、实用主义的态度，必须在全面掌握立场观点方法的基础上，着力领会其思想精髓，运用其中蕴含的科学世界观和方法论来指导实践，这是马克思主义的理论品格和内在要求。辩证唯物主义和历史唯物主义是马克思主义立场观点方法的集中体现，为我们认识世界、改造世界提供了强大思想武器。

In the early 20th century, Marxism was introduced into China and gradually accepted by Chinese advanced elements. When Marxism came to China, it faced a completely new “reality”—a nation with a long history and profound culture. At this time, the major epochal issue that Marxism had to handle and resolve was “to deeply integrate with the practice of the Chinese revolution, Chinese history, and Chinese culture.” The Communist Party of China unifies adhering to Marxism and developing Marxism, actively promotes adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and in the course of more than a century of struggle, constantly demonstrates the openness, inclusiveness, and quality of keeping pace with the times of Marxism. In the historical process of adhering to the Two Integrations, our Party established Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, formed the important thought of the “Three Represents,” the Scientific Outlook on Development, and established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and is the Marxism of the 21st century that leads China and influences the world.

20世纪初，马克思主义传入中国，逐渐被中国先进分子接受。马克思主义来到中国，面对的是一种全新的“实际”，是一个具有悠久历史和厚重文化的民族。这时的马克思主义，必须处理并解决好的重大时代课题，就是“和中国革命实践、中国历史、中国文化深相结合起来”。中国共产党把坚持马克思主义和发展马克思主义统一起来，积极推进马克思主义中国化时代化，在一百多年的奋斗历程中，不断彰显马克思主义的开放性、包容性和与时俱进品质。我们党在坚持“两个结合”的历史进程中，创立了毛泽东思想、邓小平理论，形成了“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想是马克思主义中国化时代化最新成果，是引领中国、影响世界的21世纪马克思主义。

Adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese history and culture.

马克思主义中国化时代化根植于中国历史文化沃土

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “After Marxism was introduced into China, the propositions of scientific socialism were warmly welcomed by the Chinese people and ultimately took root, blossomed, and bore fruit in China. This was by no means accidental, but rather because they resonated with the excellent historical culture passed down for thousands of years in our country and the values unconsciously held by the broad masses of the people.” In the process of promoting adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, our Party has attached great importance to excavating, inheriting, and promoting fine traditional Chinese culture, using the power of Marxist truth to activate the great civilization created by the Chinese nation over thousands of years, causing Chinese civilization to once again burst forth with powerful spiritual strength.

习近平总书记指出：“马克思主义传入中国后，科学社会主义的主张受到中国人民热烈欢迎，并最终扎根中国大地、开花结果，决不是偶然的，而是同我国传承了几千年的优秀历史文化和广大人民日用而不觉的价值观念融通的。”我们党在推进马克思主义中国化时代化的过程中，高度重视发掘、继承、弘扬中华优秀传统文化，用马克思主义真理的力量激活了中华民族历经几千年创造的伟大文明，使中华文明再次迸发出强大精神力量。

Over the past century and more, our Party has insisted on drawing nourishment from fine traditional Chinese culture, promoting the achievement of fruitful results in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Comrade Mao Zedong used the ancient phrase “seeking truth from facts” to summarize the Party’s ideological line; Comrade Deng Xiaoping used “a moderately prosperous society” to identify the phased goals of China’s development; Comrade Jiang Zemin put forward the thought of the “two vanguards”; Comrade Hu Jintao proposed building a “harmonious society”—these are all examples of combining the basic principles of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has inherited and promoted the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture, forming a series of new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies for governing the country, opening up a new realm of combining Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. For example, combining the Marxist view of the masses with the people-oriented thought in fine traditional Chinese culture, it put forward “the country is the people and the people are the country,” forming the people-centered development thought; when advocating the spirit of reform and openness, it cited “Although Zhou was an old state, it received a new mandate” [1]1 A line from the *Book of Songs* (Shijing), used to mean that a state or institution can renew itself through reform., “As Heaven’s movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman ceaselessly strive along” [2]2 A line from the *Commentary on the Book of Changes* (Yijing), often used to encourage ceaseless self-improvement., and “If you can one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day. Yes, let there be daily renovation” [3]3 A line from the *Great Learning* (Daxue), emphasizing the need for daily self-renewal.; when advocating the feelings for family and country, it cited “Be the first to worry about the world’s troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures” [4]4 A famous line by the Song-dynasty official Fan Zhongyan, expressing a leader’s priority for the people’s welfare., “Though lowly in rank, do not forget your concern for the country” [5]5 A line from the Song-dynasty poet Lu You, expressing patriotic concern despite humble status., and “Every man has a duty to his country” [6]6 A popular saying from the Qing-dynasty text *The Record of Awakening in the World*, emphasizing universal responsibility for national affairs.; drawing on “a world of great harmony, peace and cooperation among all nations” [7]7 An ancient Chinese ideal of a harmonious world order, often invoked in discussions of international relations. and “the whole world as one community” [8]8 A Confucian concept from the *Book of Rites* (Liji), envisioning a unified and peaceful world. to elaborate on the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, etc. This not only imbues Marxism with a rich Chinese flavor but also activates fine traditional Chinese culture with materialist dialectics, allowing fine traditional Chinese culture to radiate a vivid contemporary ethos. The integration of Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times with fine traditional Chinese culture highlights the Communist Party of China’s high degree of cultural consciousness and firm cultural confidence, and demonstrates the profound cultural heritage of our Party in governing the country.

一百多年来，我们党坚持从中华优秀传统文化中汲取营养，推动马克思主义中国化时代化取得丰硕成果。毛泽东同志用“实事求是”这一古语来概括党的思想路线，邓小平同志用“小康社会”来标识当代中国发展的阶段性目标，江泽民同志提出“两个先锋队”思想，胡锦涛同志提出构建“和谐社会”，都是马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合的范例。党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央继承和弘扬中华优秀传统文化精华，形成了一系列治国理政新理念新思想新战略，开辟了马克思主义与中华优秀传统文化相结合的新境界。比如，将马克思主义群众观与中华优秀传统文化中的民本思想相结合，提出“江山就是人民、人民就是江山”，形成了以人民为中心的发展思想；在倡导变革和开放精神时，讲到“周虽旧邦，其命维新”“天行健，君子以自强不息”“苟日新，日日新，又日新”等；在倡导家国情怀时，讲到“先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐”“位卑未敢忘忧国”“天下兴亡，匹夫有责”等；借鉴“天下大同、协和万邦”“天下一家”，来阐述构建人类命运共同体理念等。这既让马克思主义充盈浓郁的中国味，又以唯物辩证法激活中华优秀传统文化，让中华优秀传统文化焕发鲜活的时代气韵。中国化时代化的马克思主义与中华优秀传统文化相贯通，彰显了中国共产党高度的文化自觉和坚定的文化自信，展现了我们党治国理政的深厚文化底蕴。

Promote the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture to achieve new accomplishments.

推动马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合取得新成就

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Constantly writing new chapters in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the solemn historical responsibility of contemporary Chinese Communists.” To assume this historical responsibility, we must continue to combine the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture. We must deeply grasp the essence of Marxist thought, excavate the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture, and promote the deepening of the integrated development of the two.

习近平总书记指出：“不断谱写马克思主义中国化时代化新篇章，是当代中国共产党人的庄严历史责任。”承担起这一历史责任，就要继续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。我们要深刻把握马克思主义思想精髓，挖掘中华优秀传统文化精华，推动二者贯通发展不断深化。

Deeply grasp the essence of Marxist thought. The essence of Marxist thought is contained within the Marxist world outlook and methodology. Grasping the essence of Marxist thought, in the final analysis, means seizing the root, the core, and the substance within the theoretical system of Marxism. To uphold and develop Marxism, we must treat science with a scientific attitude, pursue truth with the spirit of truth, adhere to putting the people first, maintaining self-confidence and self-reliance, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, adopting a problem-oriented approach, applying systems thinking, and embracing the world, focus on solving practical problems in the reform and opening up and socialist modernization of the New Era, make correct answers that conform to China’s actual conditions and the requirements of the times, and ensure that Marxism always maintains its vigorous vitality and exuberant vitality.

深刻把握马克思主义思想精髓。马克思主义思想精髓蕴含于马克思主义世界观和方法论之中。把握马克思主义思想精髓，说到底是要在马克思主义理论体系中抓住根本、抓住核心、抓住实质。坚持和发展马克思主义就要以科学的态度对待科学，以真理的精神追求真理，坚持人民至上、坚持自信自立、坚持守正创新、坚持问题导向、坚持系统观念、坚持胸怀天下，着眼解决新时代改革开放和社会主义现代化建设的实际问题，作出符合中国实际和时代要求的正确回答，让马克思主义始终保持蓬勃生机和旺盛活力。

Deeply excavate the best of traditional Chinese culture. The best of traditional Chinese culture constitutes the representative achievements and classic content within traditional Chinese culture. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC: “Traditional Chinese culture is extensive and profound, and it represents the crystallization of the wisdom of Chinese civilization. It contains, among others, such ideas as pursuing common good for all, regarding the people as the foundation of the state, governing by virtue, discarding the outdated in favor of the new, selecting officials on the basis of merit, promoting harmony between humanity and nature, ceaselessly pursuing self-improvement, embracing the world with virtue, acting in good faith and being friendly to others, and fostering neighborliness. These ideas have been an important part of the Chinese people’s cosmology, worldview, social values, and moral ethics, and they are highly consistent with the values and propositions of scientific socialism.” [9]9 This passage is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held in October 2022. The list of traditional concepts (e.g., “pursuing common good for all,” “regarding the people as the foundation of the state”) are classical Chinese political and ethical ideals drawn from canonical texts such as the *Book of Rites* and the *Analects*. We must apply the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method to deeply excavate and draw upon the best of traditional Chinese culture, allowing Marxism to take root in the fertile soil of Chinese history and culture, thereby becoming even more deeply rooted and luxuriant.

深入挖掘中华优秀传统文化精华。中华优秀传统文化精华是中华优秀传统文化中的代表性成果、经典性内容。习近平总书记在党的二十大报告中指出：“中华优秀传统文化源远流长、博大精深，是中华文明的智慧结晶，其中蕴含的天下为公、民为邦本、为政以德、革故鼎新、任人唯贤、天人合一、自强不息、厚德载物、讲信修睦、亲仁善邻等，是中国人民在长期生产生活中积累的宇宙观、天下观、社会观、道德观的重要体现，同科学社会主义价值观主张具有高度契合性。”我们要运用马克思主义的立场观点方法深入挖掘和汲取中华优秀传统文化精华，让马克思主义扎根中华历史文化沃土，更加根深叶茂。

Continue to advance the integration. We must accurately grasp the basic requirements and effective pathways for integrating the essence of Marxist thought with the best of traditional Chinese culture, achieving connections in content, alignment in method, and convergence in value. This will propel the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with traditional Chinese culture to a new level and achieve new accomplishments.

持续推进贯通。我们要准确把握马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华相贯通的基本要求与有效途径，实现内容上的联结、方法上的契合、价值上的会通，推动马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合跃上新台阶、取得新成就。

Online editor: Paul

网络编辑：保罗