On Practice and On Contradiction are foundational works of Mao Zedong and essential texts of Marxist philosophy. Written in 1937, during the Chinese Revolution, they further develop and elaborate the Marxist understanding of practice, knowledge, and contradiction.

Together, these essays provide essential philosophical foundations for grasping dialectical materialism, analysing concrete conditions, and understanding the dynamics of social transformation. We have also added the short piece ‘Where do correct ideas come from?’ in which Mao examines how correct ideas emerge through the process of social practice and are tested and developed through practice.

This book is published on the 50th anniversary of Chairman Mao Zedong’s death. Now, more than ever, Chairman Mao’s writings are necessary reading for all future revolutionaries, providing the theoretical tools necessary to unite revolutionary theory with practice and transform the world.

Chairman Mao lives forever in our hearts!