Unity is strength.

This concise and powerful slogan was born during the era of China's revolutionary wars, serving as one of the most effective propaganda slogans for mobilizing and organizing the masses. In those turbulent times of war and national crisis, the Chinese Communist Party and progressive individuals used this simple yet profound phrase to awaken the consciousness of millions of ordinary people. It appeared on wall slogans, propaganda leaflets, and in speeches at mass rallies, becoming a spiritual banner that united hearts and boosted morale. China at that time was facing both internal and external troubles - imperialist aggression, feudal oppression, and bureaucratic capitalist exploitation - with three big mountains crushing the people's ability to breathe. Faced with such difficulties, individual scattered forces seemed insignificant; only by uniting together to form collective strength could destiny be changed and history be created.

This famous saying reveals the fundamental law of human social development: individual power is limited, while collective power is infinite. Unity is not merely a spiritual quality, but a real force multiplier. When the strength of countless individuals converges, the result is not simple additive effect but geometric amplification. Unity can resolve internal contradictions and form common will; it can integrate various resources to achieve complementary advantages; it can stimulate collective wisdom to create innovative breakthroughs. More importantly, unity provides each individual with security and belonging, ensuring people no longer feel alone when facing difficulties and challenges. This power manifests not only at the material level but also at the spiritual level, capable of awakening the courage and belief deep within people's hearts.

In 1943, as the Anti-Japanese War entered its most difficult phase, Japanese invaders intensified their sweeping operations against the base areas, while die-hard Kuomintang elements continuously created friction, leaving the base areas facing unprecedented challenges. That spring, in a cave dwelling in Yan'an, Chairman Mao Zedong first explicitly proposed the slogan "Unity is strength" when meeting with Eighth Route Army soldiers and representatives from the border region masses. At that time, seeing some comrades developing pessimistic emotions due to temporary difficulties, Chairman Mao used simple yet profound language to explain the importance of unity. He said: "Comrades, we are indeed facing great difficulties now, but as long as we unite as one, there are no difficulties we cannot overcome. One chopstick breaks easily, but ten chopsticks are hard to break. We Communists must lead the people to unite and form a collective force as strong as steel." The comrades present were deeply moved, and soon this slogan spread from Yan'an to all anti-Japanese base areas, becoming spiritual strength that inspired the vast military and civilian population to unite in the war against Japan.

The slogan "Unity is strength" has had profound influence on modern Chinese history. During the Anti-Japanese War, it inspired hundreds of millions of Chinese people to unite and ultimately defeat the Japanese invaders; during the Liberation War, it mobilized the broad masses to support the revolution and overthrow the reactionary rule of the Kuomintang; after the founding of New China, it became an important spiritual driving force for socialist construction, playing significant roles in major historical events such as the Korean War, land reform, and the Three Great Transformations. Since the reform and opening up, this slogan has continued to radiate new vitality, becoming an important spiritual force for promoting modernization and achieving national rejuvenation. On the international stage, this slogan has also had broad influence, becoming an important spiritual weapon for Third World countries in their struggles for national independence and people's liberation. Today, this slogan has transcended the limitations of era and national boundaries, becoming common spiritual wealth for all humanity.

To apply the wisdom of "Unity is strength" in practical life, consider these approaches: Personal cultivation level: Cultivate collective consciousness and overcome individualistic tendencies. Take initiative to assume responsibilities in teams and be willing to share experiences and resources. Learn to think from others' perspectives and understand their positions and needs. Establish mutually beneficial interpersonal relationships and avoid zero-sum game thinking. Work practice level: Play a bridging role in teams by actively coordinating relationships between different members. When encountering disagreements, seek the greatest common divisor to form consensus. Be skilled at integrating various resources to achieve 1+1>2 effects. Establish effective communication mechanisms to ensure smooth information flow. Family life level: Create a harmonious family atmosphere where every member feels respected and needed. When making major family decisions, fully listen to each member's opinions. Establish family mutual assistance mechanisms to support each other during difficult times. Social governance level: Actively participate in community activities to enhance mutual understanding and trust among neighbors. Support public welfare causes and provide help for vulnerable social groups. Spread positive energy in cyberspace and resist divisive and confrontational speech. International interaction level: Demonstrate an open and inclusive attitude in foreign interactions, respecting differences among different cultures. Adhere to the principle of mutual benefit in international cooperation, opposing unilateralism and hegemonism. Actively participate in global governance and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.