THIS year marks the 70th anniversary of the completion of the legendary Long March. Over half a century ago, soldiers of the Red Army marched through snowy mountains, deep marshes and dangerous rivers under harsh conditions.

    They zigzagged through more than 10,000 kilometres of difficult terrain. They endured hardship beyond human tolerance. Just how did the Red Army soldiers overcome all those difficulties?

    High morale gave them their will. More specifically, they held a strong conviction that a communist tomorrow would be achieved. That was worth sacrificing anything for, even their lives. They also developed a strong group cohesion that is characterized by a keen compassion for one another. Everyone felt as though they were living in one big family.

    Thinking about the wonder, I can’t help but compare today’s people with the Red Army soldiers. While the soldiers didn’t give up hope even when they were seriously wounded, some young people take their lives over such trivial matters as failing an exam or a game these days. While the soldiers had a strong communist faith, some young people now don’t even set themselves goals in life. They depend heavily on their parents without feeling ashamed. They become NEET (not in employment, education or training), “devouring” their parents. They hardly think of working hard to obtain their own success.

    To us, the Long March spirit means enduring hardship beyond human limits. It also means valuing life beyond any suspicion ?C to try one’s utmost for the great goal of life. Many people are retracing the footsteps of the soldiers. I guess they are trying to resume the miracles of human endurance, compassion, and determination.

    Ultimately, what we can learn from the Long March spirit is a commitment to life goals with noble values. The Long March is as legendary as it was 70 years ago. We should all travel the Long March of our own mind and soul.

    Further information:

* http://www.longmarch.org.cn: A newly launched website specially dedicated to the Long March.

* “New Long March”: A book co-authored by two British men about their tour along the Long March route.

cohesion: 凝聚力
compassion: 同情
legendary: 传奇的
marsh: 沼泽
morale: 士气
trivial: 琐碎的
zigzag: 蜿蜒前进

beyond…limits: 超越……的极限
It is beyond the limits of my ability. 这超出了我的能力范围。

devour: v. 挥霍掉,耗尽(财产)等
The US is often depicted as a nation that has been devouring the world’s mineral resources. 人们常把美国说成是一个挥霍世界矿物资源的国家。