By tf-lawyer.com Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping has applied Marxist perspectives and methodologies to deeply contemplate a series of significant theoretical and practical issues concerning propaganda, thought, and cultural work. He has addressed fundamental questions related to the construction of our country’s culture in the new era, such as what banner we should uphold, which path we should take, what principles we should adhere to, and what goals we should achieve. Xi’s cultural thought has provided a systematic answer to the major question of what type of socialism with Chinese characteristics we should uphold and develop in the new era, as well as how we should do so. This thought represents a profound evolution of our Party’s understanding of the rules governing the construction of a socialist culture and enriches Marxist cultural theory, providing clear directions, basic principles, and scientific methodologies for the cultural development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
One important aspect of deeply studying Xi Jinping’s cultural thought is a systemic understanding of the “second combination,” which seeks to scientifically grasp the relationship between adherence and innovation, essence and roots, as well as form and function. This combination highlights the necessity of upholding and developing a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics. General Secretary Xi pointed out that developing socialism with Chinese characteristics based on the profound foundation of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization is an essential path. This concept places the task of promoting our culture within the historical context of the sinicization and modernization of Marxism, advocating for an overall understanding and systematic planning of cultural construction within the broader context of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The “second combination” also provides a well-defined pathway for the advancement of our socialist cultural strength, emphasizing that we must effectively merge the foundational principles of Marxism with the essence of traditional Chinese culture. This process reveals the profound compatibility between Marxism and Chinese traditional culture, articulating the necessity for their organic integration. The resulting cultural synthesis enhances the modernity of traditional Chinese values while affirming their relevance to contemporary life. Xi’s cultural thought elucidates the fundamental conditions and significant implications of this “second combination.”
Advancing the sinicization and modernization of Marxism is a necessary requirement in this context. Marxism evolves with the times. As the essence of contemporary spirit, Marxism must be combined with specific Chinese realities and traditional culture to demonstrate its timeless scientific truth, effectively addressing and guiding China’s problems. From its inception, our Party has actively promoted advanced Chinese culture while faithfully inheriting and developing our traditional values. Over the past century, the Party has interwoven the essence of Marxist thought with traditional Chinese values, leading to a creative transformation and innovative development of those principles throughout various historical phases of revolution, construction, and reform.
Xi’s cultural thought precisely captures the historical progress and practical experiences regarding this transformation, introducing the concept of the “second combination” as a significant innovation that offers a solid cultural foundation for Chinese-style socialism. It reflects the Party’s cultural awareness and confidence as it navigates the sinicization and modernization of Marxism and guides the innovative practices that contribute to cultural progress.
The internal requirement for thriving within the context of socialism with Chinese characteristics lies in fostering a robust cultural identity. The advancement and prosperity of a nation are often signified by its cultural vitality. Rooted in over 5,000 years of civilization, socialist culture embodies the revolutionary culture and advanced socialist values generated by our Party during its leadership, rooted in the broader practices of socialism. Xi’s cultural thought outlines the developmental laws of Chinese civilization, indicating that the “second combination” brings profound historical dimensions to the socialist path, fortifying the cultural foundation essential for our journey. To further cultivate and develop a robust socialist culture, we must orient ourselves around Xi’s cultural thought, merging Marxist principles with traditional Chinese culture, creating an expansive cultural space to innovate theories and systems geared towards national rejuvenation.
In advancing the “second combination,” we must emphasize the balance between upholding foundational principles and innovation. The development of culture represents a process of evolution through both inheritance and innovation. General Secretary Xi has articulated that to navigate cultural development effectively, one must balance tradition with modernity. Reinforcing cultural subjectivity involves recognizing the indispensable connection between Marxist thought and our traditional values, extracting the essence of these philosophies while critically discarding outdated elements.
Xi Jinping’s cultural thought deeply emphasizes the need for cultural independence and self-awareness in a global context. This intrinsic self-understanding allows us to navigate the complexities of cultural identity while fostering strength in our interactions with other civilizations. Upholding both the essence of Marxism and the foundation of traditional culture is fundamental for the Party’s theoretical innovation and cultural advancement.
As we pursue the “second combination,” the intertwining of foundational and innovative elements is crucial. By promoting a unified understanding of Marxism and rich traditional culture, we can establish a distinctive cultural identity that provides a robust foundation for recognizing and elevating both our people’s cultural values and our global presence.
In summary, the “second combination” calls for a deep engagement with both the substance and function of our cultural identity. By assimilating Marxist theory and traditional Chinese values in innovative ways, we build a resilient framework that can address both historical and contemporary challenges while maintaining cultural continuity. As we refine and deepen this understanding, we align our cultural ambitions with the broader goals of socialism with Chinese characteristics, paving the way for a future where our rich heritage and modern needs harmoniously coexist.
