Serve the People

#PUBLICATION NOTE

This edition of Serve the People has been prepared and revised for digital publication by the Institute of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism under the Central Committee of the Communist Party in Switzerland on the basis of the following edition: Serve the People, in the Selected Works of Mao Zedong, First English Edition, Vol. 3, Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, 1965.

#INTRODUCTION NOTE

This is a speech delivered by Comrade Mao Zedong at a memorial meeting for Comrade Zhang Side held by departments directly under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in Yan'an, Shaanxi, China on the 8th of September, 1944. It was first published in the Jiefang Ribao (21st of September, 1944).

Comrade Zhang Side was a soldier in the Guards Regiment of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. A member of Communist Party who loyally served the interests of the people, he joined the revolution in 1933, took part in the Long March, and was wounded in service. On the 5th of September, 1944, when making charcoal in the mountains of Ansai County, northern Shaanxi, he was killed by the sudden collapse of a kiln.

#Workers and oppressed people of the world, unite!

#SERVE THE PEOPLE

#SPEECH DELIVERED AT A MEMORIAL MEETING FOR COMRADE ZHANG SIDE

#Mao Zedong

#8th of September, 1944

#★

Our Communist Party and the Eighth Route and New Fourth Armies led by our Party are battalions of the revolution. These battalions of ours are wholly dedicated to the liberation of the people and work entirely in the people's interests. Comrade Zhang Side was in the ranks of these battalions.

All people must die, but death can vary in its significance. The ancient Chinese writer Sima Qian¹ said: «Though death befalls all men alike, it may be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather.» To die for the people is weightier than Mount Tai, but to work for the Fascists and die for the exploiters and oppressors is lighter than a feather. Comrade Zhang Side died for the people, and his death is indeed weightier than Mount Tai.

If we have shortcomings, we are not afraid to have them pointed out and criticized, because we serve the people. Anyone, no matter who, may point out our shortcomings. If they are right, we will correct them. If what they propose will benefit the people, we will act upon it. The idea of «better troops and simpler administration» was put forward by Mr. Li Dingming,² who is not a Communist. He made a good suggestion which is of benefit to the people, and we have adopted it. If, in the interests of the people, we persist in doing what is right and correct what is wrong, our ranks will surely thrive.

We hail from all corners of the country and have joined together for a common revolutionary objective. And we need the vast majority of the people with us on the road to this objective. Today, we already lead base areas with a population of 91'000'000,³ but this is not enough; to liberate the whole nation, more are needed. In times of difficulty, we must not lose sight of our achievements, must see the bright future, and must pluck up our courage. The Chinese people are suffering; it is our duty to save them, and we must exert ourselves in struggle. Wherever there is struggle, there is sacrifice, and death is a common occurrence. But we have the interests of the people and the sufferings of the great majority at heart, and when we die for the people, it is a worthy death. Nevertheless, we should do our best to avoid unnecessary sacrifices. Our cadres must show concern for every soldier, and all people in the revolutionary ranks must care for each other, must love and help each other.

From now on, when anyone in our ranks who has done some useful work dies, be they soldier or cook, we should have a funeral ceremony and a memorial meeting in their honour. This should become the rule. And it should be introduced among the people as well. When someone dies in a village, let a memorial meeting be held. In this way, we express our mourning for the dead and unite all the people.