The general trend of social and historical development is upward, and the process of development is tortuous. In class society, the solution of basic social contradictions is mainly achieved through class struggle, which is the direct driving force to promote the development of class society.

The basic contradiction in socialist society is still the contradiction between productive forces and relations of production, economic base and superstructure. But this contradiction is not antagonistic and can only be solved through socialist self-development and self-improvement. Reform is the self-improvement and development of socialism.

Ways to realize social and historical development

Social development is realized in the contradictory movement between productive forces and relations of production, economic base and superstructure, and in the continuous solution of basic social contradictions.

In class society, the solution of basic social contradictions is mainly achieved through class struggle; In socialist society, this contradiction is non-confrontational and can only be solved through socialist self-development and self-improvement.