Deng Xiaoping

Modernized China's economy

Contemporary influential 77 sayings

Sayings by Deng Xiaoping

It doesn't matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.

1962 — Speech during economic reforms
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

To get rich is glorious.

1980s — Statement encouraging economic liberalization
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Some people will get rich first. This is a good thing.

1980s — Speech on economic policy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When you open the window, both fresh air and flies come in.

1980s — Referring to opening up China's economy to the West
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Seek truth from facts.

1978 — Core principle of his reform ideology
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.

1978 — Major philosophical debate initiated by him
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Socialism with Chinese characteristics.

1980s — Term he coined to describe China's economic system
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One country, two systems.

1980s — Policy for Hong Kong and Macau
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Communist Party is not a trade union, it is a vanguard.

1980s — Speech to party cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Development is the hard truth.

1990s — Key slogan of his reform era
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Stability is overriding.

1989 — Statement on maintaining social order
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We should be good at guiding the masses.

1980s — Speech to party leaders
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The United States is a big country, but it is not necessarily a wise country.

1980s — Reported in various sources, often in private conversations
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What is socialism? What is Marxism? We were not quite clear about this in the past.

1980s — Speech to party cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is necessary to smash the 'iron rice bowl'.

1980s — Referring to guaranteed employment and benefits in state-owned enterprises
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must be bolder in reform and opening up.

1992 — Southern Tour speeches
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We should allow some regions and some people to become rich first.

1980s — Speech on economic policy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We should not engage in debate.

1992 — Southern Tour speeches, emphasizing action over ideological arguments
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a son of the Chinese people. I profoundly love my motherland and my people.

1980s — Autobiographical statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Don't argue, just do it.

1980s-1990s — Paraphrase of his practical approach to reform, sometimes cited as a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable