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The Dialectical Relationship Between Matter and Consciousness

Human consciousness is the product of the long-term development of the material world and the product of social practice. The relationship between matter and consciousness is one of dialectical unity.

The Dialectical Unity of Subjective Initiative and Objective Laws

To correctly understand and grasp the dialectical relationship between matter and consciousness, it is essential to manage the relationship between subjective initiative and objective laws.

I. Respecting Objective Laws is the Prerequisite for Correctly Exercising Subjective Initiative

  • Definition of Objective Laws:
  • Laws are the inherent, essential, and necessary connections within the process of change and development of things.
  • Function:
  • Only by recognizing and mastering objective laws can people correctly understand the world and effectively transform it.
  • Making history is not a matter of arbitrary action; it must follow historical laws and processes, seizing the pulse and opportunities of the times.

II. Fully Exercising Subjective Initiative is Key to Correctly Understanding and Utilizing Objective Laws

  • Role of Subjective Initiative:
  • Acknowledging the objectivity of laws does not mean that people are powerless in the face of these laws.
  • Through conscious activities, people can understand these laws and transform the world according to them to meet their needs.
  • Dialectical Unity:
  • Respecting the objective laws of development and exercising subjective initiative are dialectically unified.
  • Practice is the foundation of the unity between objective laws and subjective initiative.

III. Application in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

  • Self-confidence and Self-reliance:
  • These are key aspects of the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
  • They are also an important spiritual quality of the Chinese Communists.
  • The Four Self-confidences:
  • In building socialism with Chinese characteristics, it is crucial to maintain confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture, and to persist on the path of self-reliance and strength.

IV. Prerequisites and Conditions for Correctly Exercising Subjective Initiative

  1. Basing Actions on Reality:
  2. This is the prerequisite for correctly exercising subjective initiative.
  3. Only by basing actions on reality and reflecting objective laws can understanding be correct.

  4. Only with correct understanding as a guide can correct actions be formed.

  5. Practice as the Fundamental Path:

  6. Correct understanding must be transformed into real material power through material activity, i.e., practice.

  7. Practice is the only standard for testing truth and is the basic path for exercising subjective initiative.

  8. Dependence on Certain Material Conditions and Means:

  9. "A skillful housewife cannot cook without rice." Without real raw materials, no matter how "skillful" human consciousness is, it cannot create any material objects.

V. Promoting the Spirit of Historical Initiative

  • Definition of the Spirit of Historical Initiative:
  • It is a positive, active, and enterprising mental state based on a profound understanding and grasp of the laws of historical development.
  • Function:
  • Promoting the spirit of historical initiative means adhering to historical objective laws, actively taking action, and consciously advancing social progress and historical development with the spirit of being a master of history.
  • It means taking proactive steps in the face of opportunities without hesitation or waiting; confronting difficulties without evasion or retreat; and actively responding to risks without fear or avoidance.
  • Through determined progress, we can fully unleash subjective power, maximize proactive spiritual strength, gain historical initiative, and achieve a better future.

Conclusion:

  • Subjective initiative and objective laws are dialectically unified. Respecting objective laws is the prerequisite for exercising subjective initiative, while exercising subjective initiative is key to understanding and utilizing objective laws.
  • Practice is the foundation of their unity. Through practice, people both understand laws and effectively transform the world.
  • In Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, maintaining the "Four Self-confidences," adhering to self-reliance and strength, and promoting the spirit of historical initiative are important reflections of correctly handling the relationship between subjective initiative and objective laws.