Able Quote by Mao Zedong
“Those experienced in work must take up the study of theory and must read seriously; only then will they be able to systematize and synthesize their experience and raise it to the level of theory, only then will they not mistake their partial experience for universal truth and not commit empiricist errors.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People, Mao Zedong, 1957
Practical experience must be combined with theoretical study to avoid mistaking limited observations for universal truths and to prevent empirical errors.
In simple terms: Blend practice with theory to avoid false generalizations.
Key Takeaway
Study theory to ground experience.
Themes
learning
theory
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- professional development
- policy making
- education curriculum
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific method
dialectics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can theory be made relevant to everyday work?
- What safeguards prevent overreliance on personal experience?
A Different Perspective
Theoretical study can be inaccessible or overly abstract for some practitioners.
![“In the struggle to defend the legacy of Leninism . . . [Stalin] proved himself to be an outstanding Marxist-Leninist fighter. . . . Stalin's works should, as before, be seriously studied . . . [to] see what is correct and what is not.” quote by Mao Zedong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2af/mao-zedong-1123_fighter_in-the-struggle-to-defend-the-legacy-of_67510.jpg)
