Chairman Mao Zedong, a towering figure in Chinese history, was renowned for his commitment to the masses. His approach to conducting surveys and research was characterized by a deep respect for the people, treating them as friends rather than as subjects of surveillance. This unique methodology played a crucial role in shaping his policies and strategies, which were instrumental in guiding the Chinese revolution and nation-building.
A Humble Student of the People
Mao believed that being a humble student of the people was fundamental to formulating correct policies. He often emphasized that without proper surveys, one had no right to speak, and without accurate surveys, one also had no right to speak. Mao saw surveys as a means to understand the world and made it a point to engage in extensive research throughout various periods of his life.
Personal Involvement in Surveys
Mao was deeply committed to personally engaging with the masses. He believed that once you get down to the grassroots and interact with the people, you can feel alive. This approach involved thorough preparation before conducting surveys. Mao always made sure to prepare adequately, often writing down his thoughts and outlining the questions he wanted to ask. For instance, during a meeting at Shaoshan Yintian Temple, he asked questions such as the organization and composition of the rural committees, the fairness of the justice system, and the good deeds of the rural committees. These questions led to rich and meaningful survey results.
Emphasizing Quality and Inclusivity in Meetings
Mao placed great importance on holding high-quality meetings with a wide range of participants. He would tailor the size and number of participants to the situation, ensuring that the sample was representative and inclusive. For example, during his 1927 survey in Xiangtan, Xiangxiang, Hengshan, Liling, and Changsha, Mao involved various local leaders and ordinary people from different sectors. He was skilled at encouraging everyone to speak openly and honestly, often leading to spirited discussions and debates that helped him gain a clearer understanding of the realities.
Combining Reading and Field Research
Mao was a proponent of combining reading with field research, embodying the saying read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles. According to statistics from the Hunan Party History Exhibition Hall, during the period of the New Democratic Revolution, he conducted at least 60 surveys, and during the period of the Socialist Revolution and Construction, he conducted surveys in various places for 57 times, totaling 2,851 days. This constant engagement with surveys helped him develop a scientific worldview and methodology, guiding the revolution and construction in China effectively.
Treating the Masses as Teachers
In the revolutionary era, despite the complex and challenging survey environment, Mao actively engaged in research, even amidst the chaos of war. He always relied on the masses to ensure that his surveys were effective.
A Commitment to Humility
Mao always saw himself as a student of the people, asking questions and seeking clarity whenever needed. He approached surveys with a deep sense of enthusiasm and respect for the people, making it a point to understand their needs and concerns. Under his influence, the older generation of proletarian revolutionaries conducted surveys that were genuine and free from formality.
Building Friendship, Not Spying
Mao believed in treating the masses as friends rather than as objects of surveillance. He was willing to delve deep into the grassroots, build friendships with people from all walks of life, and show genuine concern for their welfare. This approach earned him the trust and respect of the people, who were willing to share their thoughts and feelings with him.
Mao was adept at understanding the true situation by engaging in comprehensive surveys and conducting in-depth interviews. For example, during his stay in Shaoshan from February to August 1925, he spent most of his time conducting surveys, visiting different households and engaging in long conversations with individuals, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Cultivating a Habit of Long-Term Research
Mao believed in the principle of calling a spade a spade, emphasizing the importance of basing strategies on objective conditions. He advocated for continuous surveys and research to understand social dynamics and solve problems effectively. Mao was skilled at identifying problems through surveys and proposing targeted solutions. After conducting surveys, he would carefully analyze and reflect on the findings, elevating his understanding from the intuitive to the rational.
Theoretical Reflection and Policy Formulation
Mao’s extensive engagement with the masses and his ability to analyze and reflect on the findings led to the formulation of many effective policies and strategies. His works such as The Life of Chinese Tenant Peasants, Investigation Report on the Peasant Movement in Hunan, and Analysis of the Social Classes in China are经典 examples of his commitment to understanding and solving real-world problems.
In conclusion, Mao’s approach to surveys and research was characterized by a deep respect for the masses,
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