On Methodologies

Not blindly following the instructions of superiors or that has been read; rather, we should value only that information which has been ascertained.

NOT   BLINDLY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS OF SUPERIORS OR WHAT HAS BEEN READ; CONSIDERING ONLY INFORMATION WHICH HAS BEEN ASCERTAINED THROUGH EXCHANGE, COMPARISON AND RECONSIDERATION (January 24, 1990), p. 371, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

We must study all aspects of a problem and get at its essence, not just look at one aspect or at superficial appearances.

THE TRAINING OF CADRES (December 10, 1939), p. 183, Vol. I, Selected Works of Chen Yun

If we want to run the Party and the country well, it is essential to enable our leaders to think correctly through studying Marxist philosophy.   

STUDY PHILOSOPHY IN ORDER TO FULFILL HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES (July 17, 1987), p. 360, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Ignorance of dialectic materialism will always cause one to make mistakes.

STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK, MASS OUTLOOK AND PRODUCTION OUTLOOK ON COMMERCIAL WORK (December 1956-January 1957), p. 46, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

New views emerged as we encountered new problems.

IMPROVING THE WORK OF ECONOMIC PLANNING (January 25, 1982), p. 310, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

To be careful and to tackle problems correctly is preferable to being rash and doing things hastily and in a disorderly fashion.   

THE CURRENT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION AND SOME METHODS FOR OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES (February 26, 1962), p. 206, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Creativity must be jointed to a spirit of seeking truth from facts. Otherwise, we will not be able to truly progress.   

SEVERAL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT ENSURING THE QUALITY OF CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS(December 26, 1958), p. 113, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

The art of leadership lies in understanding what’s on people’s minds.

AN INSPECTOR’S METHODS OF LEADERSHIP (July 5, 1933), p. 23, Vol. I, Selected Works of Chen Yun

A leader will work effectively if the subordinates can speak up and take decisive actions without any worries. It is very important to make sure our cadres dare to speak out and to take initiative. That is the only way to keep them content with the jobs assigned to them and to maintain high morale.

ON OUR POLICY WITH RESPECT TO CADRES (September 1938), p. 119, Vol. I, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Leaders should examine themselves for their own shortcomings and mistakes. They should do that first and not keep blaming their subordinates.   

THE TRAINING OF CADRES (December 10, 1939), p. 183, Vol. I, Selected Works of Chen Yun

When the leading organs formulate policies, they should spend more than 90 percent of their time in investigation and study. It is sufficient to spend less than 10 percent of the time for final discussions and decisions.

HOW WE CAN GAIN A MORE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING (February 8, 1962), p. 189, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

We must understand that one-sidedness always results from busying ourselves with policy decisions instead of investigating the facts.

ACCOMPLISHING OUR COMMERCIAL WORK (November 19, 1956), p. 34, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Cadres must possess moral integrity as well as professional competence. Professional competence is important, but moral integrity is more important.

THE ISSUE OF INVESTIGATION AND STUDY AND THE SYSTEM OF INNER-PARTY DEMOCRATIC LIFE (January 16, 1987), p. 359, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Failure to make a sound assessment of a person’s qualities can lead to gross mistakes.

ON OUR POLICY WITH RESPECT TO CADRES (September 1938), p. 112, Vol. I, Selected Works of Chen Yun

Training artists, writing plays, and following a correct path.

TRAINING ARTISTS, WRITING PLAYS AND FOLLOWING A CORRECT PATH (April 5, 1981), p. 287, Vol. III, Selected Works of Chen Yun