Deng Xiaoping

Modernized China's economy

Contemporary influential 77 sayings

Sayings by Deng Xiaoping

We have to be careful not to make a show of being rich.

1980s — Advice on managing wealth disparities
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most important thing is to be good at learning.

1980s — Speech to party cadres
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are still in the primary stage of socialism.

1980s — Theoretical justification for market reforms within a socialist framework
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

No matter how good a thing is, if it cannot be implemented, it is useless.

1980s — Speech on policy implementation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must allow some people and some areas to get rich first, and then help others to get rich too.

1980s — Elaborating on the 'some will get rich first' idea
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is necessary to have a correct understanding of the relationship between planning and market.

1980s — Speech on economic reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must keep a clear head. We must not be carried away by success.

1980s — Warning against complacency
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Reform and opening up is a great revolution.

1980s — Speech on the significance of his policies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ultimate goal is common prosperity.

1980s — Clarifying the long-term aim of his economic reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must grasp the opportunity and strive for development.

1992 — Southern Tour speeches
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is better to be criticized than to be unknown.

1980s — Attributed to him, reflecting a pragmatic attitude
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We should open up to the outside world, not close ourselves off.

1980s — Speech on opening up policy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The key is to develop the economy.

1980s — Emphasis on economic development as paramount
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must not be afraid of making mistakes.

1980s — Encouraging experimentation in reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest danger is ossification.

1990s — Warning against stagnation and rigid thinking
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must oppose both 'left' and 'right' deviations.

1980s — Maintaining a balanced approach to policy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must accelerate the pace of reform and opening up.

1992 — Southern Tour speeches
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is necessary to build a strong socialist spiritual civilization.

1980s — Emphasizing cultural and moral development alongside economic
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We should not fear capitalism.

1980s — Justifying market reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Poverty is not socialism. Socialism means eliminating poverty.

1980s — Critique of previous economic policies and justification for reforms
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable