The principle of collectivism advocates that collective interests are higher than individual interests. It is argued that when there is a contradiction between individual interests and collective interests, individual interests should be subordinate to collective interests; When necessary, give up personal interests for the sake of collective interests, or even die for the sake of defending collective interests.

Collectivism not only emphasizes the unity of collective interests and individual interests, but also emphasizes that collective interests are higher than individual interests. It does not mean that under any circumstances, as long as there is a contradiction between individual interests and collective interests, individuals must make sacrifices, let alone arbitrarily ask individuals to unconditionally sacrifice their personal interests under any circumstances. This kind of self-sacrifice is conditional and necessary.

(1) Personal interests conflict with collective interests, and personal interests lose their legitimacy. Without sacrificing such personal interests, collective interests cannot be realized. Therefore, the principle of socialist collectivism requires the sacrifice of such personal interests, and such sacrifice is also necessary.

(2) Personal interests conflict with collective interests. Personal interests are legal and can be satisfied under other conditions. At this time and place, collective interests cannot be realized without sacrificing individual legitimate interests, and the principle of socialist collectivism requires that individual interests must be sacrificed. This kind of sacrifice shows the lofty moral spirit.