Industrialists and Businessmen Should Master Their Own Destiny

Mao Zedong's talk with representatives of the industrial and commercial circles on October 27, 1955 was an important document about the transformation of capitalist industry and commerce. It was included in the Collected Works of Mao Zedong, Volume 6.

In the second half of 1955, under the impetus of the upsurge of rural socialism, Mao Zedong came up with the idea that the transformation of capitalist industry and commerce also needed an upsurge. Mao Zedong talked and worked with representatives of the industrial and commercial circles many times to prepare ideologically and politically for the climax.

The talks affirmed the historical role of national capitalists and capitalism. Mao Zedong stressed that China's national bourgeoisie, different from other countries, has been fighting for the establishment of a democratic republic since Sun Yat-sen. Generally speaking, China's national bourgeoisie has basically done a good job, which is beneficial to the national economy and the people's livelihood.

The talk urged representatives of the industrial and commercial circles to take the lead in accepting and participating in the socialist transformation. Mao Zedong reiterated the role of the united front and proposed to unite the national bourgeoisie, the petty bourgeoisie and the religionists through the United Front.

Mao Zedong stressed that the main purpose is to have a group of prescient people ready for their own destiny. The fate of the industrial and commercial people can be grasped, which requires us to understand the trend of social development, stand in the aspect of socialism, and gradually change to the new system. The government will arrange jobs and political status for the industrialists and businessmen who accept the socialist transformation.