On May 24, Deng pointed out in a conversation with two central comrades: "The key to our modernization drive is that science and technology can go up. Without paying attention to education, we can't develop science and technology. Modernization cannot rely on empty talk, but on knowledge and talent. "

"We must create an atmosphere within the Party: respecting knowledge and talents." This is a powerful refutation of the fallacies such as "the more knowledge, the more reactionary" and "intellectuals stink at Laojiu" which were popular during the ultra-left ideological trend of the "Cultural Revolution". It pointed out the direction for bringing order out of chaos in the education and science and technology fronts at that time. Since then, "respecting knowledge", "respecting talents" and reaffirming that "intellectuals are part of the working class" have become the representative slogans of the party's intellectual policy expression in the new period.