"Worms can only grow in something rotten." In recent years, long-pent-up problems in some countries have led to resentment among the people, unrest in society and the downfall of governments, with corruption being a major culprit. Facts prove that if corruption is allowed to spread, it will eventually lead to the destruction of a party and the fall of a government. We must keep up our vigilance .
—Speech by Xi Jinping at the first group study session of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, November 17, 2012
Worms Can Only Grow in Something Rotten
—Stamping out breeding grounds for corruption
The quotation above is based on a line of Xunzi in "Encouraging Learning", the first book of Xunzi: "Meat when it rots breeds worms; fish that is old and dry brings forth maggots." In his essay "On Fan Zeng," Su Shi (1037-1101) of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) wrote, "Insects will appear only after things are rotten." In other words, worms can only live and feed on things that have begun to rot. In his speech, Xi Jinping used the above quotation to warn about the danger that corruption poses to the Party and the country. Indeed, the long-term development of the Party and the state depends on officials leading honest and clean lives and remaining sincere and straightforward.
"Encouraging Learning" expounds on theories and methods of education. Xunzi was convinced that education could increase knowledge and ability, develop moral character, and ward off misfortune. Perseverance and dedication are vital. He believed that studying the Confucian classics required that one should be adept at both learning from the worthy and teaching others. Once begun, studies should be followed through with vigor and never abandoned unfinished. Studies should be undertaken with the hope of attaining a complete and pure spiritual outlook. "On Fan Zeng" is an early historical work of Su Shi. In the essay, he discusses whether and when Fan Zeng should have left his position as an advisor to the warlord Xiang Yu. The essay reveals Su Shi's unique insight into historical figures and events. "Encouraging Learning" and "On Fan Zeng" are classics of Chinese history that have great value to pass on to the world.
"Worms can only grow in something rotten" is the view the ancient wise men had toward the development of things. It conforms to dialectical materialism: In the development of things, external factors create the conditions for change, internal factors are the basis for change, and external factors become operative through internal factors. Just as flies do not hover around eggs that are not cracked, it is internal factors that play the decisive role when misfortune strikes. Some officials who are Party members have become corrupt and degenerate. This began with their own depravity, whether they coveted power, money, or sex, or indulged in alcohol or enjoyed throwing their weight around. They were carried away by vices and their greed knew no bounds. They used their power for personal gain and let their weaknesses get the best of them. They compromised their principles and broke the Party disciplines and the state law. Ultimately, they wind up in disgrace and ruin.
Rapid economic growth has distorted the values of some people. Many leading officials fail to withstand the temptations before them, and seek pleasure and comfort instead. Caught unawares, they slide toward the abyss of corruption. Therefore, in order to be upright and stay away from corruption, leading officials should focus on strengthening convictions and resisting temptations.
On the one hand, leading officials should study Party theories in earnest. With the goal of always serving the people at the forefront, they need to establish a proper view of the world, outlook on life, and system of values. Their actions should reflect that they are "exercising power for the people, sharing people's concerns, and working for people's interests." Only then will they be prepared to face temptations and scenes of debauchery without wavering in their convictions. Only then will they preserve the good traditions won through past revolutions. Otherwise, if leading officials neglect self-improvement and studying, their political consciousness will diminish, values will be misaligned, and spirits will be distorted. Ultimately, they will succumb to corruption and degeneration, and become disgraced for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, the power entrusted to officials by the Party and the people is a tool that should be used for the benefit of the people. Government power must be used for the public good; it should never be used for personal gain. Power is a double-edged sword. Officials should dedicate themselves to working for the people, acting within prescribed limits, and remaining cautious as though treading on thin ice. Those who adhere to principles and keep their hands clean will gain the support of the people. Conversely, officials will cause their own demise if they succumb to selfish desires, brandish power, or resort to plunder, graft, and injustice.
"Worms can only grow in something rotten." This applies to both individuals and political parties. Only by stamping out breeding grounds for corruption within the Party and ensuring the soundness of its own "health" can the Party resist corrosive external influences. Therefore, as individual Party members or officials, we should focus on self-improvement, honesty, and self-discipline. As the ruling party and the people's government, we should strive to improve the system, strengthen the rule of law, and close loopholes, so that corruption has no place to fester. Then, "things" will not rot and worms will have difficulty growing!
(An excerpt from XI JINPING: WIT AND VISION SELECTED QUOTATIONS AND COMMENTARY, published by FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS in 2015)
