Julius Nyerere

Father of Tanzania

Modern influential 131 sayings

Sayings by Julius Nyerere

The purpose of development is man's development, not the development of things.

Undated, likely 1970s — Speech, often quoted in discussions of human-centered development.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We cannot afford to be anything but united.

1960s — Speech on African Unity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To build a nation, you must first build a people.

Undated — Speech, general theme of nation-building.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Freedom and development are as important to us as food and water.

Undated, likely 1970s — Speech, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these concepts.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest enemy of mankind is not war, but poverty.

1976 — Speech at the United Nations General Assembly
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Socialism is an attitude of mind.

1962 — Ujamaa – The Basis of African Socialism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without the people, there is no development.

Undated — Speech, emphasizing popular participation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We have been oppressed for too long, and we are not going to be oppressed again.

1950s — Speech during independence struggle
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The developing countries are not asking for charity, but for justice.

1976 — Speech at the United Nations General Assembly
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are trying to build a nation where everyone is equal, where everyone has dignity.

Undated, likely 1960s-1970s — Speech, general theme of Ujamaa.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.

Undated — Speech, attributed, consistent with his humanitarian views.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Our independence means that we are free to make our own mistakes.

1961 — Speech on independence
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We need to develop our own path, not simply imitate others.

1967 — Speech on self-reliance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest resource of any nation is its people.

Undated — Speech, common theme in his development philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to go there.

Undated — Speech, philosophical reflection.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We have to learn to walk before we can run, but we must learn to run very fast.

Undated, likely 1960s-1970s — Speech, emphasizing both gradualism and urgency.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The people are the army of development.

Undated, likely 1970s — Speech, emphasizing popular mobilization.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without commitment, nothing can be achieved.

Undated — Speech, general wisdom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Our nation must be built on the foundation of equality and justice.

1960s — Speech on nation-building
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to build a strong nation is to build a strong people.

Undated — Speech, reiterating a core belief.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable