This sentence comes from Mao Zedong's article Sports Research published in 19 17. This sentence means that if people want to become civilized spiritually, they must first make their bodies stronger. A strong body is the premise of creating civilization and changing the world.

Combined with the poverty and weakness of China at that time, Mao Zedong mentioned this sentence in his article, which also meant to call on Chinese people to keep fit, drive away foreign invaders and continue the blood of Chinese civilization.

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Mao Zedong believes that sports can strengthen the bones and muscles of individuals, increase knowledge, adjust feelings and strengthen the will, while for the country, it can cultivate countless citizens with strong physique and resolute spirit. In Mao Zedong's view, the ultimate goal of sports is not only to improve personal health, but to combine personal exercise and sports promotion with the fate of the whole nation. "The purpose of sports is not only to keep fit, but also to defend the country."

1942, Mao Zedong also put forward the slogan of "Sports Beats Japan" and expressed the sports idea of "Fitness Power". During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression period, under the guidance of Mao Zedong's sports thought, the sports cause in the base areas developed rapidly, and there was a spectacular scene in which the broad masses of people actively participated in sports, which was unprecedented in the history of China.

To improve teenagers' physique, we must first establish the concept of "people-oriented" and health first, and raise school physical education to an important height. Mao Zedong is very concerned about students' health. As early as the Yan 'an period, Mao Zedong wrote an inscription to the students in the primary school of Yan 'an Nursery School: "Learn to play".

In the early 1950s. Mao Zedong put forward the idea of "health first" in view of students' heavy academic burden and declining physical fitness. 1On June 9th, 950, Comrade Mao Zedong wrote to Mr. Ma Xulun, then Minister of Education, "All schools should pay attention to health first and study second".

1951015. Mao Zedong wrote to Ma Xulun, Minister of Education, about students' health. The letter said, "I think it is correct to put forward the policy of putting health first and learning second."

1In June, 953, Comrade Mao Zedong said to the young people with enthusiasm and hope when he met with the representatives of the Second National Congress of the China New Democratic Youth League: "I want to say a few words to the young people: First, congratulate them on their good health; Second, congratulate them on their good studies; Third, congratulations on their good work. "

Since then, Comrade Mao Zedong has repeatedly wished young people "good health, good study and good work" and always put "good health" first. The so-called "three good students" came from this. But now it seems that we have forgotten that we should put "good health" in the first place and overemphasize "study hard", which deviates from the original intention of Comrade Mao Zedong.

People's Network-"If you want to educate its spirit, you must first savage its body."