How to Be a Good Communist

lecture series by Liu Shaoqi

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June 29, 2026

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In 1939, Liu Shaoqi delivered a series of lectures titled "How To Be a Good Communist" in Yan'an, China. These lectures, drawing on his extensive experience as a labor leader and underground operative, defined the expectations for all members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Liu's talks established him as a chief theoretician for the party, emphasizing the need for zealous revolutionaries and skilled personnel to build a new society. The lectures aimed to mold individuals with new loyalties and concepts of life, aligning with the communist goal of total societal transformation. This educational approach, which blurred the lines between education and propaganda, was crucial in remolding people's behavior and outlooks.12

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Liu Shaoqi
Early life and career
…series of lectures called “How To Be a Good Communist.” In these talks he drew upon all his organizational experience as a labour leader and underground figure to define the demands to be made upon all party members; at this point Liu began to assume the role of chief…
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…series of lectures called “How To Be a Good Communist.” In these talks he drew upon all his organizational experience as a labour leader and underground figure to define the demands to be made upon all party members; at this point Liu began to assume the role of chief…
Read More