Xi’s Important Discussion on the Study of “Four History” and Its Ideological Connotation ()
1. Introduction
General Secretary XiJinping pointed out that the study of the “four histories” is “a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee based on the new starting point of the Party’s century-old history, to plan the overall strategic situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and major changes unprecedented in the world, and to mobilize the whole Party and the whole country to devote themselves to building a modern socialist country with full confidence” [1]. To deeply understand the ideological connotation of General Secretary Xi’s important discussion on the study of “four histories”, we must firmly grasp the three questions of “why to learn, what to learn and how to learn” in the process of strengthening the education of “four histories”, so as to learn “four histories” well. Learn history to understand the truth of things and the law of development, learn history to enhance ideals and beliefs, learn history to advocate morality, learn history and practice.
A hundred years of great changes, a hundred years of prosperity, a hundred years of great achievements. From 1921 to 2021, under the unity and leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese nation has experienced a huge leap from standing up, to becoming rich, and then to becoming strong. The history of the CPC, the history of the New China, the history of reform and open, and the history of socialism are the most vivid and distinctive descriptions of the CPC’s century-long achievements. They are an important record of the rise of China and the Chinese nation since modern times, and an important combination of valuable historical experience, current development needs, and the grand strategic blueprint. The CPC has always attached great importance to the study and education of history. In February 2021, General Secretary Xi proposed at the Party history study and education Mobilization Conference that the “four history” study and education should be widely carried out in the whole society. Later, General Secretary Xi delivered important speeches on the “four History” learning education on many important occasions, forming an important discussion on the “four history” learning education. Therefore, it is of great significance to study and analyze the discussion and ideological connotation of learning the “four histories” for us to continue to carry out the “four histories” learning and education activities, constantly absorb ideological nutrition, extract spiritual strength, firm ideals and beliefs, strengthen responsibility, cultivate the feelings of family and country, and fulfill the mission of the original mind. The novelty of this paper is to sort out General Secretary Xi’s important discussion on the study of “four histories”. There are few people who have studied this area, and there are not many published research papers, so it has some innovation. This paper will discuss from five aspects: introduction, “why to learn”, “what to learn”, “how to learn” and conclusion.
2. Why Should We Learn “Four Histories”?
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to studying the history of the Party, the history of the new China, the history of reform and open, and the history of socialism. General Secretary Xi has delivered a number of important speeches on different occasions about “Why should we learn Four Histories”, stressing that history is the best textbook and only by learning the “four histories” well can we take history as a mirror and create the future. The “four Histories” is the most convincing and vivid textbook. It is of great significance to carry out the education of the “four histories”.
2.1. In Order to Dig Treasures from the “Textbooks” of History
When presiding over the seventh group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping raised the study of the “four history” to an important position concerning the overall situation, stressing that “history is the best textbook......Studying the history of the Party and the country is a required course for upholding and developing the society with Chinese characteristics and pushing forward the undertakings of the Party and the country” [2]. The “four Histories” are like a mine of great output, containing many treasures accumulated and summarized during the period of revolution, construction, reform and rejuvenation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. For example, the victory of the new-democratic revolution ushered in national independence and liberation of the people, the successful exploration of the road of socialist construction has gradually lifted China out of poverty and backwardness, and reform and opening up have revitalized socialism with Chinese characteristics. In the new era, comprehensively deepening reform will usher in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. History is the best teacher. Since its birth in 1921, the Communist Party of China has united and led the Chinese people to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and create the glorious history of the “Four Great achievements”. Restudying this history will help us strengthen our belief in communism, understand the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the guiding role of Marxism, and understand that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics are the choice of history and the choice of the people. The “four Histories” is a textbook that allows us to understand the historical position, trend and conclusion based on China’s actual situation. In this textbook, we have a deep understanding and grasp that the founding of the Communist Party of China is to save the country and the nation from danger, which is required by the general situation. It was not easy for the Communist Party of China to unite and lead the Chinese people in a long and arduous struggle to win the great victory of the new democratic revolution. The CPC’s leadership is the correct choice made by history and the people. The CPC’s exploration of the path of socialist construction, and in particular its pioneering and development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, are of great significance in the history of the development of the Chinese nation. Understand that the “four Histories” “is not only the historical continuation process of the development of the Party and the country, but also the historical process in which the Party united and led the people of all ethnic groups in China to gradually realize the cause of national salvation, rejuvenation, and power” [3].
2.2. In Order to Strengthen the “Four Self-Confidence”, Strengthen the Political Identity
Over the past 100 years, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in their arduous struggles. The struggles during this period are embodied in four histories: the history of the Party, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening up, and the history of the development of Socialist China. It reflects the great practice of the Chinese nation from standing up to becoming rich and strong, and records the great achievements we have made in four major historical periods. The “four Histories” reflect our recognition of the path of social development, Marxist scientific theory, socialist system and socialist culture with Chinese characteristics. The “Four Histories” represent the historical logic of China’s confidence in its path, in its theory, in its system and in its culture. A correct view of history is an important basis for the formation of a person’s world outlook, outlook on life and values. The extensive study and education of “Four histories” can exert the effect of moral education, transmit correct values and political views, and transmit correct historical ideas to all members of society. Thus, we can accelerate the cultivation of correct historical concepts of all members of society, integrate values, strengthen common confidence, guide people to unite closely around the Central Committee, strengthen political identity, and ensure the unity of thought and action of all members of society. General Secretary Xi’s important expositions on the study of the “four histories” pointed out the direction and focus of history education, and provided a strong impetus for the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their confidence in the four histories and strengthen their political identity.
2.3. In Order to Learn from History and Create the Future
History is connected with the future. We study the “four Histories” precisely to take history as a mirror, combine the current situation, create the future, from the CPC’s 100 years of arduous entrepreneurship, difficult progress to see why the Communist Party of China and Marxism works? Why is socialism with Chinese characteristics good? Only under the leadership of the CPC can we strengthen confidence in the four aspects, follow the trend of global development, and embark on a new journey of our own. Learning the “four Histories” will help us understand the party’s major decisions in various historical periods, consciously adhere to the Party’s basic theory, basic line, basic strategy, unswervingly follow the Party, maintain close ties with the people, and rely on the people to create history. “The purpose of the education of ‘four histories’ is to do a good job in reality while deeply thinking about history. On the basis of summing up historical experience, the party and the country will continue to promote various undertakings, based on history, to win the long March in the new era” [4]. It will help us grasp the history of the development of Modern and contemporary Chinese history, see the essence through the phenomenon, hold high the banner of historical materialism, resolutely make a clear break with historical nihilism, continue to develop contemporary Chinese Marxism, follow our own path, and adhere to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics. It also will help us carry forward the spirit of the Chinese nation, strengthen our ideals and beliefs, set up moral models, pool Chinese strength, fully mobilize positive factors, and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
3. What Should We Learn “Four Histories”?
The “four histories” are the history of the CPC, the history of China, the history of reform and the history of socialism. The history of the Party is the history of the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The history of New China is the history of the CPC’s promotion of the construction of new China. The history of reform is the history of the CPC’s self-improvement and development of the socialist system. The history of the development of socialism is a history in which the CPC led scientific socialism to full vitality in China. To study the “four Histories” is to study the great achievements made by the CPC in uniting and leading the Chinese people, and to study the profound connotation of the great spirit of CPC.
3.1. Study the Great Achievements Made by the CPC in Uniting and Leading the Chinese People
In his speech celebrating the centenary of the founding of the CPC, Xi Jinping pointed out that in order to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, “the Communist Party of China united and led the Chinese people in fighting bloody battles and unswervingly flinching no matter how many setbacks they suffered, and created the great achievements of the new Democratic revolution.” “The CPC has united and led the Chinese people in getting things done on their own, working hard with determination and striving for prosperity, thus creating great achievements in socialist revolution and development.” “The CPC united and led the Chinese people in emancipating their minds and forging ahead, creating great achievements in reform and socialist modernization.” “The COMMUNIST Party of China (CPC) has united and led the Chinese people in adhering to the right path, exploring a new direction of development, and completing the great struggle, great project, great cause, and great dream in a unified manner, thus creating great achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era” [5]. In the past 100 years, the Party has toiled, gone through trials, overcome difficulties, and made progress. All its struggles, to sum up, have been aimed at achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. To study the four Histories, we should firmly grasp the historical theme of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and study the “four great achievements” made by the CPC in uniting and leading the Chinese people. The historical process of the Chinese nation standing up, becoming prosperous and becoming strong was inseparable from the leadership of the CPC, the guidance of Marxism, and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Thus, through learning the “four great achievements”, we can inspire motivation, summon up high morale and devote ourselves to the concrete practice of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
3.2. Study the Profound Connotation of the Great Spirit of CPC Founding
General Secretary Xi pointed out that “one hundred years ago, the pioneers of the Communist Party of China founded the Communist Party of China, forming the spirit of upholding the truth, adhering to the ideal, realizing the original intention, fulfilling the mission, fearing no sacrifice, fighting bravely, being loyal to the Party, and living up to the people. This is the source of the spirit of the Communist Party of China” [5]. The great spirit of party founding was born out of the unremitting efforts of Chinese Communists to save the country and the people, developed in the historical period when Marxism combined with the Chinese workers’ movement, and matured when the CPC led the Chinese people in carrying out revolution, construction and reform. The great spirit of party founding is a powerful driving force for Chinese Communists in the new era to overcome difficulties and make progress. It profoundly reveals the characteristics of the CPC and vividly describes the characteristics of the CPC. It highly condensed the Chinese Communist spiritual pedigree, a comprehensive understanding and accurate grasp of “why the CPC works” cannot do without this golden key. To study the four Histories, we must firmly grasp the profound connotation of the great spirit of party founding, carry forward the Glorious traditions of the Party, and carry forward the great spirit of Party founding. In the course of study, we should consciously integrate the great spirit of party building into the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and strive for the realization of the Chinese Dream. “Deeply explore the spiritual code of the original intention of generations of Chinese Communists to pursue happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation” [3].
4. How to Learn “Four Histories”?
On how to learn “four history”, General Secretary Xi pointed out that “the majority of party members, cadres should focus on learning the history of the CPC, while learning the history of China, reform and the history of the development of socialism......To understand the truth of things and the law of development, to enhance ideals and beliefs, to advocate morality, learn history and practice” [6]. The general Secretary’s discussion on the study of the “four histories” profoundly expounds the great significance of the “four histories” education, deeply clarifies the focus and work requirements of the “four histories” education, and points out the direction and provides reference for us.
4.1. Study History to Make Sense and Strengthen Faith
In studying the “four history”, we need to understand the truth of things and the law of development. In the process of studying the four histories, we need to gain a profound understanding of why the CPC can, why Marxism works, and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is good from the “four great achievements” made by the CPC in uniting the Party and leading the Chinese people. We should understand the historical inevitability of history and people’s choice of CPC leadership in the study of “four histories”, so as to follow the Party firmly in practice. We should strengthen the truth of Marxism and its Sinicized innovation theory in the study of the “four Histories” and conscientiously implement the Party’s innovation theory in practice. We should realize that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is correct, and that it is a bright road for the Chinese nation to achieve great rejuvenation.
In addition to understand the truth of things and the law of development, but also to enhance ideals and beliefs by learn history. Ideals and beliefs are like calcium in the spirit, and they are particularly important at any time. To enhance ideals and faith in the study of the four Histories is to learn from the four histories the profound connotation of the great spirit of the Party’s founding, so as to enhance faith in Marxism and communism, faith in socialism with Chinese characteristics, and confidence in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This is a powerful spiritual force for the CPC to unite and lead the Chinese people in its century-long struggle.
4.2. Study History to Be Moral and Practice
General Secretary Xi pointed out that “to have an example in mind means to learn from heroes, advanced figures and beautiful things, and develop good ideological and moral pursuit in the process of learning” [7]. In the study of the “four Histories” should have a profound understanding that the CPC has cultivated a series of revolutionary spirits with its own characteristics in its century-long struggle to unite and lead the Chinese people and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This series of revolutionary spirit embodies the CPC’s firm belief, fundamental purpose and fine style of work, and has long been a precious spiritual wealth that inspires us to make unremitting efforts. In studying the “four Histories”, we should carry forward the glorious tradition of the CPC, pay attention to cultivating our own noble moral character, advocate the morality of loyalty to the CPC, the public morality of benefiting the people, and the moral character of self-discipline.
Studying the “four Histories” must be practiced. In studying the “four Histories”, we should never forget our original intention, keep our mission firmly in mind, and strengthen the “four awareness”, the “four confidence” and the “two safeguard”. We should always keep in mind both ideologically and politically and in our actions, and maintain a high degree of consistency with the CPC Central Committee. On the basis of firm ideals and beliefs, we should make good use of the CPC’s innovative theories and play an exemplary role. Under the unity and leadership of the CPC, we will work together with the people of all ethnic groups in China to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. “Learning the ‘four histories’ to the communist party make up the main course and the main spirit of calcium inside work, establish the belief foundation of lifelong subject, control the eternal subject of the rudder of thought, and within the ‘four histories’ to fusion in learning to the heart, in the unity of the knowledge, belief and practice in the ‘four histories’ outward into action, to become a study of the history of four practitioners!” [8].
5. Conclusion
At present, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. It is necessary to study general Secretary Xi’s important discourse on the education of the “four histories” and its ideological connotation, strengthen the education of the “four histories”, grasp the correct orientation, and establish the correct view of history, thus effectively motivate the party comrades and the people to seize the great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make unremitting struggle. The limitation of this study lies in that it is not comprehensive enough to comb out General Secretary Xi’s important treatise on the education of the “four histories”, and the research on its ideological connotation is not deep enough. It is necessary to strengthen the context of the discussion, pay attention to the grasp of theoretical logic, and pay attention to the realistic logic of the ideological connotation. This still needs to be improved and perfected in future research.