# Zhihu Q&A Q: What do you think about Hu Xijin being called the leader of public intellectuals? A: The five stages of winning theory development: can win → will win → is winning → has won → continues to win The first theorem of winning theory: Once the winning theory is initiated, unless it encounters a devastating blow from the real world, it will inevitably progress from the first stage to the fifth stage. The second theorem of winning theory: Each time the winning theory crosses a stage, groups that have already been labeled negatively become further negative, while groups that were previously labeled positively and their opinion leaders, if they fail to timely transition into the new stage, will be relegated to the previous group. This theory applies to all factions of winning theory in the world today. Lao Hu is at the second level, Shen Guoshi and Yuan Lian are at the third level, and Lao A is at the fourth level. At the beginning, winning theory does not lack objective rationality; many times it is based on the longing for a bright future for the collective. This stage of winning theory is beyond reproach, but extreme thoughts are always easier to spread. To refute an extreme slogan may require hundreds or thousands of words, discussing social sciences to natural sciences, and others may not even want to listen. Therefore, the upgrade of winning theory is inevitable; ultimately, extremism will replace objectivity, emotions will replace rationality, and positions will replace facts. In public opinion, ordinary people either remain silent or join in.