Pol Pot

Cambodian dictator, Khmer Rouge

Modern influential 163 sayings

Sayings by Pol Pot

The city is the source of all evil.

1975 — Rationale for urban evacuation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must eliminate all elements that are not pure.

1977 — Speech to cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

History will prove us right.

1978 — Interview with a foreign journalist
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We have achieved total victory.

1975 — Radio address following the fall of Phnom Penh
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The land is our father, the water is our mother.

1975-1979 — Khmer Rouge slogan, emphasizing agrarianism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are the true revolutionaries.

1976 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There are no innocent people among the enemy.

1975-1979 — Khmer Rouge directive
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must strengthen the collective.

1977 — Speech to cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are the masters of our own destiny.

1976 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The revolution is a living thing.

1970s — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must defend our independence at all costs.

1978 — Radio address
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The West is full of decadence.

1970s — Private conversation, reported by former associates
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We will build a glorious future for Cambodia.

1975 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Angkar is the sun that illuminates the path.

1975-1979 — Khmer Rouge propaganda slogan
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are purifying the nation.

1977 — Speech to cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Intellectuals are useless to the revolution.

1975 — Reported statement, justifying the targeting of educated people
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We have no need for money.

1975 — Justification for abolishing currency
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The revolution is a great leap forward.

1976 — Speech
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are creating a new man.

1977 — Speech to cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The people are the foundation of the revolution.

1975 — Public statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable