p Cognition is one of the forms of people’s activity—it is their theoretical activity. But theory in itself is incapable of changing reality and this sets it apart from practice. Theory only reflects the world, generalises mankind’s practical activity. But, while generalising practice, theory exerts a 155 reverse influence upon it, contributes to its development. Theory without practice is pointless, practice without theory is blind. Theory indicates the way and helps to find the most efficient means of achieving practical objectives.

p Let us take, for example, natural science. It has arisen on the basis of practice, as a result of the generalisation of people’s production experience but at the- same time it renders valuable assistance to production. It helps discover new methods of production, create highly efficient machinery and equipment, artificial raw and other materials, and so on.

p Marxist-Leninist theory is very important for society’s development. Being a correct, deep reflection of reality, a generalisation of the proletariat’s revolutionary struggle, it guides the proletariat in its struggle for socialism and communism. What makes Marxism-Leninism viable is that it is true and, by revealing the true laws of social development, it enables Communist parties not only to act correctly today, but also to foresee the future, to scientifically plan practical activities for many years ahead. The Communist Party regards it as its sacred duty to further develop Marxist-Leninist theory, investigate the general laws of mature socialism and continue to promote the process of world development.

Unity of theory and practice is the supreme principle of Marxism-Leninism. This principle has acquired particularly great significance at the present time when cadres have to keep raising their knowledge of theory, Marxism-Leninism and skills and efficiency, when the present stage of communist construction calls for prompt solution of the complex problems relating to economic and social management. Therefore, theory must continue to pave the way for practice and ensure a strictly scientific approach to the management of the economy and cultural life of the Soviet people. Broad and well-organised theoretical work is a beacon illuminating the road to communism.