New cultural mission should be achieved with the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. Photo: CFP

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Culture bears on the foundation and fate of a country. The prosperity of a country or nation is always buttressed by the prosperity of its culture. Theories on literature and art serve as fertile thought grounds that cultivate and inherit culture. Influencing people with literature and art, cultivating people with theories, and establishing people with thoughts are the initial aspirations and missions of building theories on literature and art. 

Theory & practice

On the new journey of rejuvenating the nation, we should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, strengthen cultural confidence, follow the approach of openness and inclusivity, and actively promote the inheritance and innovation of theories on literature and art.

The scientific system of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture should be thoroughly comprehended so that new prospects can be created in the building of theories on literature and art in the new era.

Marxist cultural theories, as truth, are objective and concrete. General Secretary Xi Jinping, with his cultural consciousness, grand historical vision, and far-reaching strategic thinking, put forward a series of “new ideas, new thinking, and new strategies.” Xi Jinping Thought on culture has been formed. 

The pursuit of practical and theoretical innovation knows no bounds. Xi Jinping Thought on Culture is an evolving and open system that is destined to grow alongside the progress of practical applications. In the new era, the primary task of constructing theories on literature and art is to continually enhance the study, research, and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. This conscious effort encompasses all aspects and stages of contemporary literature and art theories, allowing us to continuously write a new chapter in the development of literature and art theories adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

Profound insights originate from profound practices. Xi Jinping Thought on Culture originates, roots, and develops from the great practices of cultural building led by the Communist Party of China, including the building of theories on literature and art. 

In terms of constructing theories on literature and art, it is suggested to highlight Chinese characteristics, foster the development of an independent knowledge system, and enhance the influence of literature and art theories on the development of the field.

Xi Jinping Thought on Culture encompasses both ontology and methodology, both macro holistic guidance and micro practical pathways. It has delineated the future direction for enhancing and refining the theoretical construction of literature and art from a new starting point.  

It is recommended to thoroughly study and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, thereby fostering the inheritance and innovation of building literature and art theories.

We should adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and focus on the new cultural mission. 

At this new historical starting point, our focus should be on continuously advancing the prosperity of literature and art and their respective theoretical foundations, building a leading country in theory, and building a modern Chinese civilization.

Inheritance & innovation

The foundation of inheritance and innovation lies within the rich theoretical landscape of Marxism, which encompasses materialism, dialectics, epistemology, and axiology. This framework holds significant guiding value in the pursuit of high-quality literature and art theoretical development. 

The first aspect is innovation within inheritance. “Inheritance” serves as the foundation and prerequisite for “innovation.” Both the theoretical and practical innovation in literature and art theory building are based on a scientific understanding and conscious adherence to literature and art theories.

The second aspect is inheritance within innovation. “Innovation” is the objective of inheritance. In the pursuit of theoretical development in literature and art, innovation should be seen as a responsibility and a goal. 

By following the laws of academic progress and the cultivation of individuals through culture, we should continue to be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, liberating thoughts and renewing viewpoints. We should actively promote innovation in the realms of thinking, systems, institutions, content, methods, and governance within the construction of literature and art theories. 

By nurturing the soul, cultivating character, and leading the way through innovative approaches to literary and art theory education, we can establish literature and art theory building as an intellectual pinnacle of modern Chinese civilization. 

Zhang Zhengwen is president of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Edited by ZHAO YUAN