On Contradiction - Classic Text | Alexandria
On Contradiction (矛盾论, Maodun Lun), written by Mao Zedong in August 1937, stands as one of the most influential philosophical texts in modern Chinese history and a cornerstone of Maoist thought. This seminal work represents Mao's interpretation and adaptation of dialectical materialism to Chinese revolutionary conditions, combining Marxist philosophy with traditional Chinese dialectical thinking.
The essay emerged during a crucial period in Chinese history, amid the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. Mao composed the text during his stay at the Communist base in Yan'an, where he delivered a series of lectures on dialectical materialism to cadres at the Anti-Japanese Military and Political College. These lectures were later refined into the written work that would profoundly influence Chinese Communist ideology and revolutionary strategy.
At its core, "On Contradiction" presents Mao's theory that contradictions are present in all processes of objectively existing things and of subjective thought, forming the basis for their development. The text distinguishes between principal and secondary contradictions, antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions, and emphasizes the importance of identifying and handling these different types appropriately in revolutionary practice. Mao's innovative contribution lies in his application of dialectical materialism to practical revolutionary situations, particularly in the context of China's specific historical conditions.
The work's legacy extends far beyond China's borders, influencing revolutionary movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America during the 20th century. Its impact on political philosophy, social theory, and revolutionary practice continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of social change and political transformation. Modern scholars debate its relevance to current social movements and its role in understanding complex social contradictions in the age of globalization. The text remains a crucial document for understanding not only Chinese Communist thought but also the broader development of Marxist philosophy in non-Western contexts, raising enduring questions about the relationship between universal theoretical principles and specific historical circumstances.
The text's enduring significance lies in its attempt to bridge theoretical philosophy with practical revolutionary action, prompting ongoing reflection on how philosophical principles can guide social and political transformation in different historical contexts.