The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history. Essential Mao Zedong quotes on democracy.

This statement was made by Mao Zedong in his political report "On Coalition Government" at the Seventh National Congress of the Communist Party of China. At that critical moment when the Anti-Japanese War was approaching victory, the Communist Party of China faced the historical task of establishing a new China and achieving national independence and people's liberation. In the report, Mao systematically expounded the CPC's basic propositions on establishing a coalition government and implementing democratic reforms, emphasizing the decisive role of the masses in historical development.

This statement profoundly expounds the basic principles of Marxist historical materialism, emphasizing that the masses are the creators of history, not a few heroic figures or the ruling class. It negates the "heroic view of history" and establishes the "mass view of history," arguing that historical development is driven by the practical activities of the broad masses of people. The will, desires, and practical activities of the people constitute the fundamental driving force of historical development and determine the direction and process of social development.

In the spring of 1945, inside the Central Auditorium in Yangjialing, Yan'an, the Seventh National Congress of the Communist Party of China was grandly convened. In his political report lasting several hours, Mao Zedong systematically expounded the CPC's thoughts on the future and destiny of post-war China to party delegates from across the country. When he stated "The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history," the auditorium erupted in warm applause. This statement was not only a Sinicized expression of the basic principles of Marxism, but also a profound summary of the practical experience of the Chinese revolution. It marked the theoretical maturity of the Communist Party of China and its ability to accurately grasp the objective laws of historical development.

This statement has had a decisive impact on modern Chinese history. It provided theoretical guidance for the Communist Party of China to formulate the correct mass line and became the starting point and ultimate goal of all the Party's work. After the founding of New China, this concept was reflected in the design of various political systems such as the People's Congress system and the political consultation system. After the reform and opening up, this thought continued to develop, forming the people-oriented scientific outlook on development, and eventually evolving into the "people-centered" development thought in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

To implement this concept in personal practice, the following points need to be achieved: First, adhere to the mass line in work, go deep to the grassroots, reality, and among the masses to understand their real needs and desires; second, adhere to democratic principles in the decision-making process, widely listen to the opinions of the masses, and make various decisions more in line with the interests of the people; third, cultivate a sense of service in daily life, and take the initiative to contribute to others and society; fourth, adhere to the integration of theory with practice in learning and growth, and apply the knowledge learned to solve practical problems and serve the masses; fifth, adhere to the people-centered principle in value choices, and closely integrate personal ideals with national development and people's needs.