Talk politics, talk about study and talk positively.

In the words of Jiang Zemin, “Talk politics, talk about study and talk positively,” we hear the cadence of a leader instructing his people not only in governance, but in the cultivation of the mind and spirit. Spoken by the former President of China, these words carry the tone of discipline and order, yet within them lies a timeless teaching: that a strong society must be built upon awareness of political life, devotion to learning, and an attitude that uplifts rather than corrodes. It is as if he were saying: to speak of politics is to be aware of the currents that move your nation; to speak of study is to deepen the well of your understanding; and to speak positively is to keep the flame of hope alive amidst struggle.

The origin of this quote comes from Jiang’s role as a leader in a time of transformation. As China opened to the world in the late twentieth century, there was both opportunity and danger: economic growth, yes, but also ideological confusion and social upheaval. Jiang’s guidance was not merely a bureaucratic slogan, but a reminder to his people that if they lost sight of political direction, if they abandoned the discipline of study, or if they allowed cynicism to consume them, the foundations of the nation would falter. Thus, he placed these three pillars—politics, study, and positivity—as guiding stars for the people.

History provides us with many echoes of this wisdom. In the days of Athens, Pericles urged his citizens to take part in politics, reminding them that to ignore the affairs of the polis was not to live as free men, but as slaves of others’ decisions. In the libraries of Alexandria, scholars poured themselves into study, understanding that knowledge was the true wealth of civilization. And in the darkest hours of World War II, when Britain stood alone, Winston Churchill called his people to speak and act positively, declaring that even amidst ruin, hope and determination could be the difference between survival and defeat. Jiang’s teaching thus resonates with an ancient rhythm: awareness, knowledge, and courage.

The deeper meaning of “Talk politics” is this: do not shy away from the affairs of your nation, for politics will shape your life whether you tend to it or not. It is the forum where laws are forged, where justice or injustice takes root, where futures are decided. To avoid politics is to surrender your voice, but to talk politics is to claim your role as a citizen. Here lies the echo of Confucius, who said that the superior man does not withdraw from public life, but seeks to bring harmony through participation.

The command to “Talk about study” reminds us that without knowledge, politics becomes empty shouting. A society that abandons learning withers; its citizens are easily swayed by rumor, deception, and shallow words. By urging study, Jiang calls for discipline of mind and refinement of character. This is the way of all great civilizations: Rome honored law, China revered the classics, Islam treasured the pursuit of knowledge as worship. Study is the root that allows wisdom to flourish, and without it, the fruits of politics turn bitter.

Finally, to “Talk positively” is to guard the spirit against despair. For what use is politics without hope, and what use is study if it leads only to cynicism? To speak positively is not to deny hardship, but to face it with courage and a vision for the future. Think of Nelson Mandela, who, after twenty-seven years in prison, spoke not with bitterness but with reconciliation, inspiring a divided nation to walk forward. Positivity in speech is power, for it does not only comfort the heart of the speaker, but strengthens the will of all who listen.

The lesson, O listener, is clear. Engage in politics, for to be silent is to surrender. Commit to study, for knowledge is the shield against ignorance. And speak positively, for words shape the world as surely as swords or laws. In your daily life, do not shy from conversation about the affairs of your nation; do not neglect the lifelong labor of learning; and do not poison your words with despair, but lift others through courage. For by doing these things, you will walk the path of wisdom and strength, and help build a society that endures.

Thus, Jiang Zemin’s words may sound simple, but they are in truth profound. “Talk politics, talk about study and talk positively” is not a slogan for one age, but a teaching for all time. It is a call to be engaged, to be thoughtful, and to be hopeful—the three virtues that guard a people against ruin and guide them toward greatness.