Deng Xiaoping

Modernized China's economy

Contemporary influential 77 sayings

Sayings by Deng Xiaoping

When we open the window, some flies will inevitably come in.

1980s — Referring to negative influences from opening to the West
Controversial Unverifiable

Stability is the overriding imperative.

1989 — Statement, particularly after Tiananmen Square
Controversial Unverifiable

The essence of socialism is liberation and development of the productive forces.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We should be good at guiding our people to look forward.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

Poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious.

1980s — Speech, combining two famous statements
Controversial Unverifiable

If we want to develop, we must open up.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The basic task of socialism is to develop the productive forces.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We should be brave in carrying out reforms.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We must persist in the four cardinal principles.

1979 — Referring to: adherence to the socialist path, to the dictatorship of the proletariat, to the leader…
Controversial Unverifiable

We must adhere to the principle of democratic centralism.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

It is necessary to smash the 'iron rice bowl' and 'big pot of rice'.

1980s — Referring to reforming the socialist welfare system and egalitarianism
Controversial Unverifiable

Opening to the outside world is a long-term fundamental national policy.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The road ahead is long; there are many difficulties.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We should give full play to the initiative of the peasants.

1970s — Speech, regarding agricultural reforms
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest danger for us is not to develop.

1980s — Speech, emphasizing economic growth
Controversial Unverifiable

We must persist in the policy of invigorating the domestic economy and opening to the outside world.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

It is better to have half the people rich than all of them poor.

1980s — Reported statement, justifying economic inequality
Controversial Unverifiable

We must be good at absorbing and learning from the advanced experience of other countries.

1980s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We must emancipate our minds.

1978 — Speech, calling for intellectual freedom in economic thought
Controversial Unverifiable

The primary stage of socialism.

1987 — Theoretical concept to justify market reforms within a socialist framework
Controversial Unverifiable