K. This is the 1st working draft of vol. VI. It still ... - From Marx to Mao

A STUDY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION*
April !(!&
FROM MARX
TO MAO
Our nation is wanting in strength. The military spirit has not
been encouraged; The physical condition of the population deteriorates
daily. This is an extremely disturbing phenomenon. The
promoters of physical education have not grasped the essence of
⋆
the problem, and therefore, their efforts, though prolonged, have
not been effective. If this state continues, our weakness will increase
further. To attain our goals and to make our influence felt
are external matters, results. The development of our physical
strength is an internal matter, a cause. If our bodies are not strong
we will be afraid as soon as we see enemy soldiers, and then how
can we attain our goals and make ourselves respected? Strength
depends on drill, and drill depends on self-awareness. The advo-
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL
cates of physical education have not failed to devise various meth-
ods. If their efforts have nevertheless remained fruitless, it is because
external forces are insufficient to move the heart. . . .
If we wish to make physical education effective, we must influ-
ence people’s subjective attitudes and stimulate them to become
conscious of physical education. If one becomes conscious of the
problem, a programme for physical education will come easily, and
we will attain our DISTRIBUTION
goals and make our influence felt as a matter of
course. . . .
1. AN EXPLANATION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education helps to maintain life. East and West differ
in their interpretations of it. Chuang Tzu followed the example of
the cook, Confucius drew on the lesson of the archer and the chari-
* Extracted from an essay published in Hsin ching-nein in April 1917.
1