Turkmenistan's Saparmurat Niyazov

We need to teach our children patriotism and love for the motherland.

I have created a special holiday to honor melons. Melons are important to our culture.

I do not need a successor. My spirit will live on in my book.

I am a humble servant of my people.

We will build a golden statue of me in Ashgabat. It will rotate with the sun.

I have ordered all doctors to swear an oath to me, not to Hippocrates.

I am a gift from God to the Turkmen people.

We will build a new ice palace in the desert. It will be a symbol of our prosperity.

I believe in the power of the human spirit.

I have abolished pensions for the elderly because they should be supported by their children.

I dream of a Turkmenistan where everyone is happy and prosperous.

I have ordered the construction of a 'Path of Health' for my people to walk and stay healthy.

I am the father of all Turkmen people.

I have decreed that all cars must be white, as white symbolizes purity.

I have banned lip-syncing at public concerts. Singers must sing live.

I have ordered the creation of a 'Book of Books' to contain all knowledge.

I am against long hair for men. It is not traditional Turkmen.

I have closed all public libraries, as my book contains all necessary wisdom.

I have decreed that all civil servants must read 'Ruhnama' each day.

I believe in the wisdom of our ancestors.