The Best Deng Xiaoping quotes

In the past there were too many portraits of Chairman Mao in China. They were hung everywhere. That was not proper and it didn’t really show respect for Chairman Mao. — Deng Xiaoping

The economy ‘is like a bird. You can’t hold it in your hand but have to let it fly. But it might fly away, and that is why you need a cage to control it. — Ezra F. Vogel

Whatever sentence is passed on the Gang of Four won’t be excessive. They brought harm to millions upon millions of people. — Deng Xiaoping

The minority yields to the majority! — Deng Xiaoping

Even if they’re functioning out of ignorance, they are still participating and must be suppressed. In China, even one million people can be considered a small sum. — Deng Xiaoping

In China, we are considering ways of resolving our problems by improving our institutions. — Deng Xiaoping

Seek truth from facts. — Deng Xiaoping

Observe calmly; secure our position; cope with affairs calmly; hide our capacities and bide our time; be good at maintaining a low profile; and never claim leadership. — Deng Xiaoping

We no longer know what socialism is, or how to get there, and yet it remains the goal. — Deng Xiaoping

Be reasonable with the students and make sure they see the logic in what we’re doing. — Deng Xiaoping

For a leader to pick his own successor is a feudal practice. — Deng Xiaoping

No matter if it is a white cat or a black cat; as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat. — Deng Xiaoping

Black cat, white cat, what does it matter as long as the cat catches mice? — Deng Xiaoping

Poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious. — Deng Xiaoping

We must firmly grasp management. Just making things isn’t enough. We need to raise the quality. — Deng Xiaoping

The United States brags about its political system, but the President says one thing during the election, something else when he takes office, something else at midterm and something else when he leaves. — Deng Xiaoping

There is a] gulf that can exist between different emotional and perceptual worlds–all ‘Chinese’–in recent times [post–Deng Xiaoping]. — Mark Elvin

In China, we intend to acquire advanced technology, science and management skills to serve our socialist production. And these things as such have no class character. — Deng Xiaoping

I don’t care if the cat is black or white, I just want it to kill the mice. — Deng Xiaoping

When our thousands of Chinese students abroad return home, you will see how China will transform itself. — Deng Xiaoping

If you don’t have something to say, keep your mouth shut . . . the purpose of meetings and talks is to solve problems. — Deng Xiaoping

Keep a cool head and maintain a low profile. Never take the lead–but aim to do something big. — Deng Xiaoping

If the masses feel some anger, we must let them express it. — Deng Xiaoping

There is oil in the Middle East there is rare earth in China. — Deng Xiaoping

Do not debate! is one of my inventions. — Deng Xiaoping

To get rich is glorious. — Deng Xiaoping

Let some people get rich first. — Deng Xiaoping

In the final analysis, the general principle for our economic development in China is still that formulated by Chairman Mao, that is, to rely mainly on our own efforts with external assistance subsidiary. — Deng Xiaoping

By following the concept of ‘one country, two systems,’ you don’t swallow me up nor i you. — Deng Xiaoping

It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mouse — Ezra F. Vogel

Reform is China’s second revolution. — Deng Xiaoping

Any capitalism is superior to feudalism. — Deng Xiaoping

In his pursuit of economic modernization, Deng liked to say that he was groping for stones as he crossed the river. — Ezra F. Vogel

Cross the river by feeling for stones under one’s feet. — Deng Xiaoping

A fundamental contradiction does not exist between socialism and a market economy. — Deng Xiaoping