Li Dazhao's influence on Mao Zedong has been discussed in many articles. However, on some of these issues, people have different opinions because of different materials, which makes people disagree. In the process of discussion, this paper tries to study the reasons for the existence of different opinions, distinguish the mistakes, and strive to draw a view that conforms to the historical truth for reference in the study.
Li Dazhao provided Mao Zedong with the opportunity to work at Peking University, which enabled Mao Zedong to attend courses at Peking University.
19 18 Summer, Mao Zedong graduated from Hunan No.1 Normal School. In order to solve the problem of continuing to study, he and Cai Hesen and others organized a group of young people from Hunan to go to France for work-study programs. On August 6th of the same year, Mao Zedong arrived in Beijing with more than 20 young people from Hunan who went to France for work-study programs. Work-study program in France was organized by Cai Yuanpei, Wu, Li Shizeng and others, and its initial foreign liaison agency was located in Peking University. Mao Zedong came to Peking University for the first time. From this time to March, 19 19, he studied and worked in Peking University for nearly half a year.
At that time, Peking University was the center of new culture and new ideas, and it was also the place where old and new cultures and new ideas collided fiercely. In particular, Li Dazhao, then the curator of Peking University Library, is spreading the October Revolution and Marxist theory to people with a shocking voice of the times, so that enthusiastic young people full of the ambition to save the country can see a way to seek truth. Li Dazhao's empty steps in Peking University attracted young Mao Zedong, and made him decide not to study in France. He said: "I feel that I don't know enough about my country. It will be more beneficial to spend my time in China. Those students who decided to go to France all studied French with Li Shi, but I didn't. I have other plans. " (1) that is to say, Mao Zedong has decided to stay in Peking University for a period of time, in order to absorb ideological nutrition and study the problems of his own country.
Now that Mao Zedong has decided to stay in Peking University for a period of time, the main problem to be solved first is life. He said: "The cost of living in Beijing is too high for me. I came to the capital by borrowing money from my friends. When I arrive, I must find a job at once. Yang Changji, my former ethics teacher in normal school, was then a professor at the National Peking University. I asked him to help me find a job, and he introduced me to the director of Peking University Library. This man is Li Dazhao, who later became a founder of China and was later killed by Zhang. Li Dazhao asked me to be an assistant in the library, and I can get a lot of money every month-eight oceans. " (2) Li Dazhao arranged a job in a library, which solved the problem of life and stayed in Peking University, thus creating opportunities for frequent contact and cooperation between Mao and Li.
What needs to be pointed out here is that there are different opinions about the time, status and treatment of Mao Zedong's entry into Peking University Library. This needs clarification. For example, Jiang Menglin said in his memory, "When I was principal, Mao Zedong worked as a secretary in Peking University Library" and "monthly salary 17 yuan". According to this statement, many research articles think that Mao Zedong's tenure in Peking University Library is "1965438+September 2008". These are different from historical facts.
Jiang Menglin acted as president of Peking University from July to September in 19 19, which is clearly recorded (4), but when Mao Zedong left Peking University, the two had nothing to do with each other. According to the records of the salary distribution book kept in Peking University archives, Mao Zedong received a full three-month salary in February 20081965438 and February 2009 1965438+ 10 and February, and the monthly salary was 8 yuan, not 17 yuan. It can also be known that the earliest time for Mao Zedong to enter Peking University Library may be in191811,not in September. But Jiang's statement that he is a "secretary" in the library of Peking University is accurate. At that time, Peking University Library had no assistant title. Later, the appellation of assistant may come from Hussenot's use of English appellation. "Secretary" was a junior position in Peking University Library at that time and enjoyed the minimum wage. At the same time, it should be pointed out that Mao Zedong's job responsibilities in Peking University Library are not only "managing fifteen Chinese and foreign newspapers" and "the names of people registered to read newspapers in the library". He himself clearly said: "One of my duties is to register the names of people who come to the library to read newspapers" (5). In addition, he worked with Director Li Dazhao to organize books and periodicals, and assisted Zhang Shenfu in registering books and catalogues. "Zhang Shenfu once said that Mao Zedong's handwriting is very chic, and the registration catalogue needs to be neat, so let Mao Zedong copy it again." After the national liberation, when Zhang Zhaoshi talked with Mao Zedong about Zhang Shenfu's work arrangement, he also said, "That's my immediate boss ..." ⑥ It can be seen that Mao Zedong was highly valued by Li Dazhao in Peking University Library at that time, and he was exposed to many aspects of library work, which not only facilitated him to understand the information of new books and periodicals at that time, but also gave him the opportunity to directly contact Li Dazhao.
From1965438+at the end of 2008 to1965438+at the beginning of 2009, Li Dazhao successively published popular articles such as Victory of the People, Victory of Bolshevism and New Era, and introduced the October Revolution and Marxist theory to China's ideological circles with full enthusiasm. At that time, Mao Zedong worked in Peking University Library, and studied and discussed issues with Li Dazhao. Naturally, the issues they studied and discussed were mainly the October Revolution and Marxist theory. Mao Zedong once said: "Before China, there was Marxism. Without Marxism, how could there be * * *? In fact, Li Dazhao and others were promoting Marxism at that time. At that time, newspapers, periodicals and books were available. ..... Really, there are books to prove it. " ⑦ This passage is Mao Zedong's recollection and explanation of the actual work of Peking University Library and Li Dazhao at that time according to his own personal experience.
Mao Zedong's employment in Peking University Library naturally includes solving the livelihood problem, but more importantly, he can stay in Peking University, where he can freely attend and participate in various academic activities. He once said: "I joined the Philosophy Society and the News Agency just to be able to sit in at Peking University." It shows that his post in Peking University Library is only a means to an end, and the fundamental reason is to "attend Peking University as an auditor" and participate in various academic activities. The first academic group he joined in Peking University should be the "Journalism Research Association". The "Journalism Research Association" (later renamed as Journalism Research Association) was organized by Cai Yuanpei, president of Peking University, Xu, a professor of liberal arts, and Shao Piaoping, a famous journalist. Established on June 5438+09 18+ 10/4. At the beginning of its establishment, its purpose was to "instill news knowledge and train journalists". Participated in the activities of the Journalism Research Association 1, and listened to Professor Shao Piaoping's "Journalism Theory and Practice" course and related speeches by Li Dazhao and Xu. 1 91916, Peking University Journalism Research Association held1graduation ceremony, at which President Cai Yuanpei spoke and presented certificates to graduates who had completed their studies. 32 people, including Gao and Luo, were awarded the "Half-year Listening Certificate" respectively. After half a year's study and research activities, Mao Zedong has increased his theoretical knowledge and practical skills in journalism, and established friendship with Shao Piaoping and others. He once said that Shao Piaoping's words "helped me a lot" in the audience, which shows that he has deep connections. On June 6th, 192 1, 1, Xinmin Society held the "10th anniversary meeting in January" in Changsha. When discussing "my friend's personal progress plan", Mao Zedong said, "My job is teaching and being a reporter. In the future, I will mostly live on the monthly salary of these two jobs. " 1 1 It seems that the Peking University Journalism Research Association once had an influence on Mao Zedong.
Mao Zedong also participated in the Peking University Philosophy Research Association. The "Philosophy Research Society" was founded on 19 19 on October 25th, and was initiated by Hu Shi, Ma Xulun, Yang Changji and Liang Shuming. Its purpose is to "study the philosophy of the Eastern and Western schools and enlighten new knowledge". Some famous professors in Peking University have taught in this association. For example, Hu Shi talked about China's philosophy, Zhang Yi talked about Kant's philosophy, and Xu Bingchang talked about French philosophy. In the activities of the Association, Mao Zedong studied and studied philosophical works of various countries, including French materialists in the18th century, which further broadened his knowledge and increased his interest in studying philosophy. 192 1 At the beginning, when talking about his personal research plan, he clearly stated: "Although literature can't be created, it is also interesting and likes to study philosophy." 12
As there are no more records, it is difficult to know more about Mao Zedong's audit in Peking University. But there is no doubt that he tried his best to take advantage of the conditions of Peking University and actively participated in auditing or various academic research activities. 1On September 22nd, 936, he wrote a letter to Cai Yuanpei from Yan 'an. At the beginning of the letter, the words "Peking University class, gathering in old Beijing, lectures in Xiangcheng during the May 4th Movement, 13, and some speeches by Mr. Ling" are written as 14, which shows that he not only listened to lectures at Peking University, but also listened when a celebrity spoke outside the school.
In addition to participating in various academic activities, including auditing courses, Mao Zedong also made extensive acquaintance with various celebrities active in Peking University. Through discussion and discussion with them, he understood and compared various ideas and viewpoints, and gained useful knowledge from them. Among them, Li Dazhao's thoughts and viewpoints had a direct impact on him, which made him "more and more interested in politics and more radical in his thoughts" .55438+05. Along the evolution of absorbing new knowledge and abandoning old knowledge, we gradually cleared up the influence of bad ideological trends, and then devoted great enthusiasm to studying Marxism. As he later said: "When I worked as an assistant in the National Peking University Library under Li Dazhao, I developed rapidly in the direction of Marxism." 16
Secondly, Li Dazhao provided conditions for Mao Zedong to study communist literature, which enabled Mao Zedong to establish a belief in Marxism.
19 19 February to 1920 April, Mao Zedong visited Beijing for the second time and arrived at Peking University. "Zhang Driving Delegation" arrived in Beijing on February 6th, 2008. More than 40 members live in Beichang Street near Peking University, and most of their "Zhang Drive" activities are organized in Peking University. For example, on February 2 1 day, 10/day, and 1 day, the following year, a gathering was held in Peking University to denounce Zhang's crime with the participation of representatives of Peking University students, which showed that they had extensive contacts in Peking University and won support.
This time in Beijing, Mao Zedong stayed in Peking University for nearly half a year. In addition to organizing and leading the struggle to drive Zhang, he continued to have frequent contacts with Li Dazhao. During the period, he was introduced by five people, including Li Dazhao, and joined the young chinese Society.
There are two different opinions about the specific time when Mao Zedong joined the China Youth Organization: "19 18 10 month" and "1920/kloc-0 month". The former statement comes from Li Huang's memoir A Room with Hard Learning. In the latter case, it is recorded in the third issue of Volume 4 of Young China People 1923 published in May that "Mao Zedong's third-year membership fee is charged". Because the evidence does not directly record the situation about this matter, it is difficult to conform to the historical facts. For a direct record of this matter, please refer to the February issue of Young China People, 1920, vol. 1, No.8 Member News, in which it is said that "our association has joined three members from last year 1 February to this year1month", namely Zhang Wentian and Mao Zedong. However, the order of the three people's joining time was not indicated. But from the age of "20" in Zhang Wentian's name and "26" in Mao Zedong's name, we can still infer the time sequence. Zhang Wentian was born in 1900, and his "20" age should be 1920. Mao Zedong was born in 1893, and his "26" age should be 19 19. In other words, the specific time for Mao Zedong to join this young China institution should be1912 months, that is, the first few days of his second visit to Beijing. In the first few days of Li Dazhao's second visit to Beijing, he introduced Mao Zedong to the China Youth Association. This alone reflects the unusual intimacy between them.
This is also a fact. Although Mao Zedong left Peking University on April 1920, he still kept close contact with Li Dazhao for a long time. In June and July of the same year, Mao Zedong founded a cultural bookstore in Changsha, which was related to Li Dazhao's strong support. The Cultural Bookstore held its inaugural meeting on August 2nd and officially opened on September 9th.
In the business activities of bookstores, the difficulties encountered are greater than the problem of funds. Bookstores "are unwilling to give credit to others for the sake of credit stability, so the capital is too small and the turnover is quite difficult." In this difficult situation, Li Dazhao extended a helping hand to Mao Zedong. Among the books sold in bookstores, there are about 50 kinds of trendy series, Peking University series and non-series books, all of which are sold by Peking University Publishing Department, so Li Dazhao introduced the credit and implemented the method of "free deposit". Judging from the existing "sales catalogue" of the cultural bookstore, this business relationship has lasted for at least two years. These more than 50 books account for 19 of the total book sales in bookstores. Therefore, Li Dazhao's "credit introduction" greatly eased the financial difficulties of bookstores and enhanced their business vitality.
Changsha Culture Bookstore was established in August, 1920, and was banned in Ma Ri incident, 1927. It existed for seven years. It takes "exclusive sales of new publications" as its purpose, and "the selling price is at most the same as that of the original publishing store, and some even lower than that of the original publishing store, just to get considerable handling fees and postage" as its operating principle, which is quite popular among readers from all walks of life. The business activities of the book club do not take profit as the sole purpose. In fact, it is an important position that Mao Zedong established in Hunan to study and spread revolutionary truth and carry out revolutionary activities. Its existence not only played a great role in spreading Marxism, but also played an important role as a secret liaison organization in the establishment of China and the early days of the founding of the Party. This is an important revolutionary activity carried out by Mao Zedong in Hunan, and Li Dazhao is a strong supporter of this revolutionary activity.
At the beginning of 1920, under the guidance of Li Dazhao, an important revolutionary group, the Marxist Theory Research Association, was secretly established in Peking University. Although this seminar was not publicly announced until June 192 1 10, it began to study "Marxist theory" from March 1920. At that time, Mao Zedong and Li Dazhao were studying and discussing works about the October Revolution and Marxism–Leninism in Peking University. He also had many contacts with some promoters of the association, such as Deng Zhongxia, Gao and Luo. What is the direct relationship between him and the secret activities of Peking University Marxist Theory Research Association? Because there is no written record yet, it is difficult to make a hasty decision. However, judging from the close relationship between Li and Mao at that time, and from the important changes in thoughts and actions at that time, in fact, it cannot be said that there was no connection. This is a problem worthy of attention. For example, at that time, Mao Zedong was interested in going to Russia for work-study programs. In his letter, he said: "Neither Peng nor he wants to settle in France and Russia. He Shuheng wants to stay in France. I advised him not to stay in France, but in Russia. My own plan is to go to Shanghai in a week. When things are settled in Hunan, I want to form a "free research society" (or a self-taught university) with my comrades when I return to Changsha. It is estimated that it will take one or two years to clarify the academic outlines at home and abroad, so that I can be a tool for overseas investigation (otherwise I can't make an investigation). Then form a team to stay in Russia and go to work and study in Russia. ..... I am discussing this matter with Li Dazhao and others (staying in Russia). " 2 1 It is clearly reflected here that after careful study and discussion with Li Dazhao, Mao Zedong changed his original idea of studying in France and made a plan to work and study in Russia, which shows his great yearning for the hometown of the October Revolution. At that time, it was difficult to separate supporting the October Revolution and yearning for Soviet Russia from supporting Marxism. In August of the same year, after Mao Zedong returned to Changsha, he quickly initiated the establishment of the "Work-study Program in Russia" and the "Pioneer Team of the Movement in Russia" in Hunan, and organized the "Russian Research Association" with He Shuheng and others, and said: "I have thousands of miles of relatives with Russia, and the old peasant government has undergone such unprecedented changes. Why don't we study his inside story and arrange ways to deal with it?" Mao Zedong is eager to study in Russia at this time, with the purpose of understanding the "unprecedented changes" that have taken place in Russia and learning Marxism-Leninism. This is exactly the same as the activities of Peking University Marxist Theory Research Association. It should be said that the influence on Li Dazhao and Peking University Marxist Theory Research Association is obvious.
1920 at the beginning, Marxism-Leninism is not known to most people. Few books on Marxism-Leninism have been introduced to China, and Chinese versions are even rarer. It is not a specialized collection and circulation unit, so it is difficult to provide loans. Under the guidance of Li Dazhao, Peking University Marxist Research Association regards "collecting this book" as "an important research focus". In their announcement, it is recorded that "books have been delivered one after another, and a company will be found for collection, reading, meeting and discussion soon." It shows that they have collected a certain number of works of Marxism and Lenin. In other words, at that time, only the Marxist theoretical research society could provide convenient conditions for reading such books. Although Mao Zedong did not participate in the initiation of the seminar at that time, due to his close relationship with Li Dazhao, he could enjoy the convenience of reading. Therefore, it can be said that Mao Zedong read the literature about the October Revolution and communism that he could see in Peking University Marxist Theory Research Association, which made him establish his belief in Marxism. He later said, "During my second visit to Beijing, I read many articles about what happened in Russia. I was eager to find the few Chinese translations of communist documents I could find at that time. There are three books deeply imprinted in my mind, which helped me to establish my belief in Marxism. I accept that Marxism is the correct interpretation of history, and I have never wavered since. These three books are: The Manifesto translated by Chen Wangdao, which is the first Marxist book published in Chinese; In the summer of 1920, Kaucki's "Class Struggle" and Kirkuk's "History of Socialism", I became a Marxist in theory and action to some extent. From then on, I considered myself a Marxist. " The transformation from a revolutionary Democrat to a Marxist is a great leap in the development of Mao Zedong Thought. It should be pointed out that the completion of this leap is inseparable from Mao Zedong's auditing and work in Peking University and his close contact with Li Dazhao, especially Li Dazhao, who provided important conditions for him to study and study Marxism.
Third, Mao Zedong worships Li Dazhao very much, saying that Li Dazhao is his real teacher.
Anyone who has listened to Li Dazhao's teachings is deeply moved and admired by Li Dazhao's persuasive teachings. Chen Yi once called Li Dazhao "tireless in self-study and diligent in teaching others." . There is no sectarian spirit, and it is like a cloud inside and outside. "26. Lin said that Li Dazhao" even the smartest person is stupid, he can solve doubts, and his whispers are like flashing faxes ". Mao Zedong was deeply impressed by Li Dazhao and called him a "real teacher".
As mentioned above, when Mao Zedong first came to Beijing, he originally planned to study in France. However, influenced by new figures and ideas such as Li Dazhao after arriving at Peking University, he thought it would be more beneficial to spend time studying domestic issues, so he changed his plan to study in Europe. When I came to Beijing for the second time, I also thought about studying in France. This time it may be much better than the first time. In this regard, we can see some signs from a narrative by Li Huang. Li Huang said, "On the third day of my arrival in Beiping, Li Dazhao's friend (referring to the members of the China Youth Association) invited me to eat roast duck at the convenience store in Mi Shi Hutong. Among them are Yi and Deng Zhongyue. Pray later and then sit down. ..... Two friends suddenly found one, Zhao Shiyan and Mao Zedong. Just praying for an introduction, he said,' friends of the NPC and CPPCC are interested in studying in France, and I am very happy to hear that I am going. I want to talk about it. I think Zhao Mao's two friends are younger, so they are my generation. Light prayer also treats it with a little brother's attitude, and smiles more when you speak. There are still two months to sail. Mr. Li Shizeng invited me to study French in Beijing Preparatory School and teach elementary French. Friends from Zhao Shiyan and Mao Zedong also attended the lecture. "Thus, Mao Zedong did consider studying in France at that time, and made preparations for learning a language. But because of the research and discussion with Li Dazhao, he felt that staying in France was better than staying in Russia, and he changed his original plan. Li Dazhao changed Mao Zedong's plan to study in France twice, which shows Mao Zedong's admiration and respect for Li Dazhao's opinions. Mao Zedong's revolutionary journey in his later years also laid the foundation.
Mao Zedong admires and respects Li Dazhao's opinions, because he thinks that Li Dazhao's thoughts and views conform to the principles of Marxism–Leninism and are suitable for the reality of China's revolutionary movement. Or like-minded reasons. For example, in the activities of the Young China Society, since Li Dazhao put forward that "socialism must be pointed out", the ideological differences among its members have become increasingly open. Among them, communists insisted on taking "socialism" as the purpose, while nationalists put forward the so-called "clarifying communists" and opposed them, which led to the division and termination of the association. In the discussion about what principles should be adopted by the society, Mao Zedong clearly shared the same opinion with Li Dazhao and other communist party people. This not only shows his clear stand of firmly believing in Marxism and advocating proletarian social revolution at that time, but also shows his correct view and strong support attitude towards communist party people such as Li Dazhao.
In addition, Mao Zedong also attached great importance to Li Dazhao's understanding of farmers' problems in China. As we all know, Li Dazhao wrote a paper on land and farmers from the end of 1925 to the beginning of 1926. In this article, according to Marxism–Leninism's point of view, he expounded the important position and role of farmers in the China revolution, and proposed that "if the broad masses of farmers in China can organize themselves to participate in the national revolution, the success of the China revolution will not be far off." The correct conclusion of 30. Mao Zedong attached great importance to this paper by Li Dazhao. 1September, 926, when he presided over the peasant movement workshop in Guangzhou, he once included this paper by Li Dazhao in the series on peasant issues edited by him as the learning materials for the students.
Mao Zedong admires Li Dazhao very much, which is also reflected in his full affirmation of Li Dazhao's important role in China's revolutionary movement more than once. 1in April, 945, when he talked about the development history of China's transformation from the old democratic revolution to the new democratic revolution, he clearly pointed out that Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu contributed a lot. He said: "The May 4th Movement has left and right wings, with Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao as the representatives of the left wing. At that time, there was no * * in China, but a few people already had communist ideas. " During the May 4th Movement, Chen Duxiu was the commander in chief, and the whole movement was actually led by him. He and a group of people around him, such as Comrade Li Dazhao, played a great role. ..... We are students of their generation. "3 1 clearly put Li Dazhao in the position of revolutionary pioneer, and affirmed that Li Dazhao was one of the main representatives who played a great role.
With the progress of history, the new democratic revolution finally won a great victory in 1949. In March of the same year, Mao Zedong and the central leading organs moved from Xibaipo, Hebei Province to Beiping. When Mao Zedong saw the wall of the ancient capital, the memory of his 30-year trip came to his mind. He said with infinite emotion: "Thirty years! Thirty years ago, I desperately sought the truth of saving the country and the people. Not bad, I suffered a lot, and I met a great man in Peiping, that is, Comrade Li Dazhao. With his help, I became an Marxism–Leninism native. He is my real teacher. Without his guidance and teaching, I don't know where I am today! " The words "He is my real teacher" are touching and fully show how much Mao Zedong misses and appreciates Li Dazhao!
Li Dazhao and Mao Zedong are the founders of China. In China, Li Dazhao was a mentor who influenced and guided Mao Zedong and other generations to believe in Marxism. This also shows that Li Dazhao, as a pioneer of the communist movement in China and a great Marxist, is well-deserved and unshakable.