A Xinling History of the Rectification Campaign

In the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the Rectification movement occupies an exceptional place. The values of rectification are of course embodied in political principle, organizational discipline, and ideology, but if we pursue them carefully, they may reveal more lasting and universal significance for the creation of the CCP’s new political culture. Rectification, in the form of a movement, through instruction and regulation, urged Party members to consciously make personal choices and arrange their personal lives according to the expectations and standards of the Party — to forge themselves into “transparent people” completely devoted to this Party. Such disciplinary practice was rare even among communist parties. Rectification’s critique of liberalism and individual heroism are not as well-known as that against dogmatism and empiricism, but carry a significance that should not be overlooked.