Abstract: Maintaining independence and keeping the initiative is one of essential points of Mao Zedong’s thoughts. It is widely applied in the theories of military strategy and tactics of Mao Zedong thought. However， current studies on this concept are not commensurable with its status and importance in Mao Zedong’s thoughts. The key of the problem is that it doesn’t have a clear definition yet. The essay proposes a new definition， whose content is as following. In the practices and studying of theories in the revolution and construction of China， we must insist on the independence of the independence of national sovereignty， the democracy， freedom and equality of people， as well as the leadership of the proletariats， not to be restricted by external reasons and disturbed by other groups and individuals. It stresses upon independent studying, judgement, decision and action by standing on and depending on our own power.