Those with work experience should learn from theory and study carefully

Artist: unknown

Year: ca.1948

Publisher: unknown

Size (mm): 780x1080

Condition: very good, folds, wear to fold lines, yellowed paper

 *Please note this is an XL poster, see dimensions above*

Full translation of the text: 'Those with work experience should learn from theory and study carefully, then can they rationalise and consolidate their learning and turn their experience into theory with relevant methodology. Only in this way can one avoid the mistake of recognising partial experience as general principle, or empiricism. ---- Mao Zedong.'

Refers to theories proposed by Mao during the Yan'an Rectification movement of 1942-45, where he consolidated his power within the party and developed the ideas of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. This particular quote discusses the problems of comrades who were content to talk about theory while being divorced from realities, while those with life experience were uninterested in studying any theory. Mao suggested that these two kinds of people should endeavour to develop themselves in whichever faculty they were lacking and thus avoid the problems of dogmatism and empiricism.