Positivism was an influential philosophical theory in contemporary china with its unique theoretical form and social effects, which caused scientism and westernization and brought cultural and social changes into china, and positivism was influential in molding contemporary Chinese culture.

There are three main origins to form the cultural character of young Mao Zedong: first,traditional Chinese culture including awareness of national misery,idealism,"practical" awareness,"seeking for changes","harmony" tradition and so on;second,Huxiang culture;third,western culture trend.