How a Communist has to be

All of us want to have the honorary title communist. But how do we live up to that title without devaluing the term? Mao Zedong set some clear quality demands.

First of all, a communist has to be a role model towards the masses. Mao said:

Communists in the Eighth Route and New Fourth Armies should set an example in fighting bravely, carrying out orders, observing discipline, doing political work and fostering internal unity and solidarity.”1

Without the role model function, nobody will see us as genuine and therefore we would achieve nothing. Zhou Enlai stressed this:

Never become alienated from the masses; learn from them and help them. Lead a collective life, inquire into the concerns of the people around you, study their problems their problems and abide by the rules of discipline.”2

We should never alienate from the masses, that would be like becoming a tree without soil.

Second, all communists need to be a role model in studying. Mao said:

Communists should therefore set an example in study; at all times they should learn from the masses as well as teach them.”3

Laziness in study is harmful. Without study we are unprepared and uneducated, in short: incapable. We would have nothing to tell the masses that is based on facts. For a political movement in general that would be fatal. Therefore, let us do, what Zhou Enlai said:

Study diligently, grasp essentials, concentrate on one subject rather than seeking superficial knowledge of many.”4

Third, all communists should not boss around nor place his own interests over the collective interests. Mao said:

Every Communist working among the masses should be their friend and not a boss over them, an indefatigable teacher and not a bureaucratic politician. At no time and in no circumstances should a Communist place his personal interests first; he should subordinate them to the interests of the nation and of the masses.”5

We should see us as equal parts of the collective when it comes to rights, but see us as responsible to lead the masses. This means that we have the political claim to go ahead of the masses while taking their voices seriously. On this way they will trust us, we will stay modest and rooted among the people. Also this will keep us away from selfishness, which can lead to corruption.

Fourth, all communists should spread the word of Marxism. Mao said:

We Communists are like seeds and the people are like the soil. Wherever we go, we must unite with the people, take root and blossom among them. Wherever our comrades go, they must build good relations with the masses, be concerned for them and help them overcome their difficulties. We must unite with the masses; the more of the masses we unite with, the better. We must go all out to mobilize the masses, expand the people’s forces and, under the leadership of our Party.”6

We must sow the seeds of Marxism among the people to organize them and uproot the mustard seed. On this way we will grow and expand.

Fifth, all communists should combat wrong ideas among cadres and the masses. Zhou Enlai said:

On the basis of principles, resolutely combat all incorrect ideology in others as well as in myself.”7

Without correcting wrong views, improvement is impossible. By that stagnation or even regression becomes possible. This is harmful for our daily work as well as for our cause in the end.

There are more qualities a communist should have, but these five are essential and need to be focused on.

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