Mao Zedong's On Contradiction Overview | Generated by AI
Question: What is an introduction to Mao Zedong’s essay On Contradiction («矛盾论»)?
Answer:
Overview
Written in 1937, On Contradiction («矛盾论») is one of Mao Zedong’s most influential philosophical works. Along with its companion piece, On Practice, it was composed to provide a theoretical foundation for the Communist Party of China (CPC), specifically targeting “dogmatism”—the rigid application of Soviet Marxism without considering China’s unique conditions.
At its core, the essay is an interpretation of dialectical materialism. Mao argues that the universe is not static but is a constant process of change driven by internal conflicts, or “contradictions.”
Key Concepts
- The Universality of Contradiction: Mao asserts that contradiction exists in the development of all things and throughout the entire process of every development. There is nothing that does not contain contradiction; without it, there would be no world.
- The Particularity of Contradiction: This is the “soul” of Maoism. He argues that while contradictions are universal, each one is unique. To solve a problem, one must study its specific characteristics rather than applying a “one-size-fits-all” formula.
- Principal vs. Secondary Contradictions: In any complex process, there are many contradictions, but one is always principal. Its existence and development determine or influence the others.
Example: During the Japanese invasion of China, Mao argued the “imperialist aggression” was the principal contradiction, temporarily making the internal class struggle “secondary.”
- Principal vs. Secondary Aspects: Even within a single contradiction, one side is usually dominant (the principal aspect). The nature of a thing is determined by its principal aspect, which is constantly shifting through struggle.
- Antagonistic vs. Non-Antagonistic Contradictions: Some conflicts are violent and irreconcilable (antagonistic), while others can be resolved through discussion or reform (non-antagonistic).
Historical Significance
- Sinification of Marxism: Mao moved away from abstract European theories to create a “Chinese Marxism” that prioritized the peasantry and guerrilla warfare.
- Political Utility: The essay provided a logical framework for the CPC to justify shifting alliances (like the United Front with the Kuomintang) based on which “contradiction” was most urgent at the time.
- Permanent Revolution: By arguing that contradictions are eternal, Mao laid the groundwork for future movements like the Cultural Revolution, suggesting that even after a socialist victory, new contradictions would emerge and require further struggle.
Summary Table
| Concept | Definition | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Cause | The primary driver of change. | Development depends on a country’s own people, not just outside aid. |
| Identity/Unity | Opposites coexist and can transform into one another. | Peace can turn into war; weakness can turn into strength. |
| Struggle | The constant conflict between opposites. | Constant effort is needed to maintain progress; stagnation is impossible. |
Would you like me to break down the specific differences between On Contradiction and the Soviet Marxist theories of that era?