electra-supply.comThere are two types of qualities that people often admire: one is the intellectual atmosphere, and the other is the grounded, pragmatic vibe of everyday life.
The saying, “A person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes grace,” captures the essence of intellectual atmosphere, which reflects one’s educational background and theoretical foundation. Maintaining a habit of learning and effectively drawing insights from books not only enhances critical thinking and clarifies mental fog but also cultivates character and sensibility. Individuals with a strong intellectual vibe approach challenges with calmness, execute tasks with vigor, and carry out their work with creativity. Moreover, developing this intellectual quality helps to temper arrogance, over-sensitivity, and superficiality.
On the other hand, possessing a grounded vibe is equally invaluable. This quality is often acquired through hands-on experiences at the grassroots level and by engaging deeply with the community. It involves understanding local issues, speaking the dialect, and being attuned to the thoughts and needs of the people. This grounded vibe is not akin to a rough or opportunistic demeanor; rather, it reflects the capability to connect with the community effectively. From acquiring a sun-kissed complexion to getting one’s trousers muddy, and from demonstrating the ability to rally people to being a trusted intermediary, all these are rich manifestations of a pragmatic vibe.
The intellectual and pragmatic vibes are not mutually exclusive. Philosopher Aisqi emphasized the importance of using accessible language that resonates with the populace, often illustrating philosophical concepts through relatable analogies, making complex ideas understandable to everyday people. True experts consistently blend theory with practice, enabling citizens to grasp theoretical concepts and translate them into tangible actions for societal transformation.
Having a robust intellectual foundation supports the innovative implementation of reforms; being grounded allows for creative execution of higher-level decisions. The synergy of these two qualities enhances one another. For instance, during his time in Ningde, Fujian, Comrade Xi Jinping visited all nine counties in a month and traveled extensively across the region over two years. He applied dialectical materialism to examine the development challenges of impoverished areas and proposed significant concepts like “the weak bird must fly first” and “constant dripping wears away the stone” as pathways out of poverty. His approach to engaging with the grassroots for thorough research illustrates the integration of practical experience with theoretical insights—a process essential for transforming knowledge into effective solutions.
Theory and practice are both rich learning environments. Party members and officials need to make the most of these two arenas. Even with vast knowledge, it’s crucial to seek inspiration and understand people’s needs at the community level to rectify the disconnect between learning and action. Cultivating a pragmatic vibe can elevate the intellectual atmosphere, helping to avoid pretentiousness and a sense of disconnection.
In the new era, the Party has experienced vibrant theoretical and practical innovations. General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly pointed out the importance of strengthening ideological clarity, theoretical training, political practice, and real-world experience to enhance various necessary skills for fulfilling responsibilities. By savoring theoretical innovations to cultivate intellectual qualities and engaging in practical innovations to deepen pragmatic qualities, party members and officials can strive to become versatile scholars and savvy practitioners. They can emerge as determined advocates and proactive builders of Chinese-style modernization.
