top of page
Writer's pictureMichael Laxer

Study the ‘Three Old Articles’ Forever



From the Shanghai People’s Fine Art Press 1967: Study the ‘Three Old Articles’ Forever, poster, People's Republic of China.


The "Three Old Articles" -- namely "Commemorating Comrade Norman Bethune" (1939), “Serve the People” (1944), and "The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains" (1945) -- were written by Mao Zedong to feature three individuals, respectively Norman Bethune, Zhang Side and the Foolish Old Man (or Yugong, a legendary figure of Chinese folklore).


In the poster, the central image features three peasants who were together reading and studying the book -- the "Mass Version" of The Selected Works of Mao Zedong.


Above them, the images of Zhang Side, the Foolish Old Man, and Norman Bethune appear as the backdrop with the following commentaries:


- [in the top left, beside the man in military uniform who is supposed to be Zhang Side)] "Learning the spirit of Comrade Zhang Side to thoroughly serve the people.


- [in the top middle, beside the man with a hammer and a chisel who is supposed to be the 'New Foolish Old Man')] "Becoming the 'New Foolish Old Man' of the Socialist Era by working hard and relying upon oneself for strength and survival.


- [in the top right, beside the image of Dr. Norman Bethune accompanied by a female medical staff member in uniform] "Learning Dr. Norman Bethune's altruistic spirit of full devotion to others without any thought of himself.


Below the poster picture is printed the numbered musical notation and lyrics of the song, Study the ‘Three Old Articles’ Forever.


The "Three Old Articles," are to be learned not only by soldiers but also by cadres. The "Three Old Articles," are easy to read, but really hard to put into practice. Now, take the "Three Old Articles" as your motto. Learn them by heart, no matter which level you are from. Then, practice what you learn, and get your thought and mind revolutionized. Get your thought and mind revolutionalized.


Poster and edited text via the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, UofT, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

0 comments

Comentários


bottom of page