Julius Nyerere

Father of Tanzania

Modern influential 131 sayings

Sayings by Julius Nyerere

We must guard our independence jealously.

1961 — Speech on independence
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Development is for man, by man, and of man.

Undated, likely 1970s — Speech on human-centered development
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The freedom of a people is measured by the extent to which they control their own destiny.

Undated — Speech, philosophical definition of freedom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are not against capitalism, we are against exploitation.

Undated, likely 1960s — Speech, clarifying his socialist stance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The strength of a nation is not in its wealth, but in the unity and commitment of its people.

Undated — Speech, consistent with his Ujamaa philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must be self-reliant, not dependent on others.

1967 — Speech on Education for Self-Reliance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The purpose of society is to serve man, not man to serve society.

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

We are not asking for handouts, we are asking for a fair chance.

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

The choice is ours: either we develop ourselves, or we remain underdeveloped.

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

True development must be built on the strength of the people.

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

The greatest wealth of a nation is its people, not its minerals.

Undated — Speech, often quoted in development discussions.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We must create a society where no one exploits another.

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

The struggle for liberation is not just against colonialism, but against all forms of oppression.

Undated, likely 1960s-1970s — Speech on liberation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You cannot develop people. You must allow people to develop themselves.

1960s — Speech on African socialism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A man is developing himself when he grows, or earns, enough to provide decent conditions for himself and his family.

1968 — Ujamaa: Essays on Socialism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Democracy is not a bottle of Coca-Cola which you can import.

1960s — Speech on African democracy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We, in Africa, have no more need of being 'converted' to socialism than we have of being 'taught' democracy.

1968 — Ujamaa: Essays on Socialism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.

1960s — Speech on African unity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Ignorance is not a weapon. It is a liability.

1960s — Speech on education
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The development of a country is brought about by people, not by money.

1960s — Speech on African development
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable