Nikita Khrushchev

Shoe-banging UN incident

Contemporary weird famous 65 sayings

Sayings by Nikita Khrushchev

It is not the people who are afraid of the government, but the government that is afraid of the people.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Contradictory statement, perhaps reflecting an aspirational view or a warning
Controversial Unverifiable

You want to live, and we want to live. But we will destroy you, and we will destroy you with our own hands.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Aggressive Cold War rhetoric, variation of 'we will bury you'
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to get rid of the capitalist system is to destroy it.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Reflecting the fundamental ideological conflict of the Cold War
Controversial Unverifiable

We are going to build communism. We are going to build a society in which there will be no exploitation of man by man, no oppression of man by man, no class distinctions, no national oppression, no racial discrimination.

1950s (approximate) — Idealistic vision of communism, contrasting with the realities of the Soviet system
Controversial Unverifiable

If any country is to be liberated, it must be liberated by its own people.

1956 — Justification for Soviet intervention in Hungary, despite direct Soviet military involvement
Controversial Unverifiable

The socialist system is the only system that can ensure the continuous growth of the productive forces and the steady improvement of the living standards of the working people.

1950s (approximate) — Propaganda extolling the virtues of the socialist system
Controversial Unverifiable

We will show you Kuzma's mother!

1959 — Threatening phrase used during a speech at the UN, implying a harsh lesson or punishment
Controversial Unverifiable

The Americans are like children, they think that if they build a big toy, they can rule the world.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Referring to American military power or technological advancements
Controversial Unverifiable

We are not going to attack anyone. We are not going to invade anyone. We are not going to start a war. But if anyone attacks us, we will hit them back so hard that they will never forget it.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Defensive posture, but with a clear threat of retaliation
Controversial Unverifiable

The best way to deal with the enemy is to make him your friend.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Paradoxical statement, perhaps reflecting a tactical approach to diplomacy
Controversial Unverifiable

We are not afraid of capitalism. We are not afraid of imperialism. We are not afraid of anything. We are only afraid of one thing: that we will not be able to build communism fast enough.

1950s (approximate) — Expressing confidence in the Soviet system and its goals
Controversial Unverifiable

The capitalist system is like a rotten tooth. It has to be pulled out.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Metaphor for the inevitable downfall of capitalism according to Marxist-Leninist ideology
Controversial Unverifiable

I think that the United States of America is a great country. But it is a country that is heading for a precipice.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Acknowledging American strength while predicting its eventual collapse
Controversial Unverifiable

We are confident that communism will triumph throughout the world. This is not a dream. This is a scientific prediction.

1950s (approximate) — Asserting the inevitability of communist victory
Controversial Unverifiable

You Americans are so rich, you are going to give us your money, your technology, and eventually, one day, we will defeat you.

1959 (approximate) — Reported statement, reflecting a long-term strategic view of the Cold War
Controversial Unverifiable

There are two kinds of people: those who work and those who talk. We are the ones who work.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Emphasizing the practical nature of the Soviet system compared to Western democracies
Controversial Unverifiable

The main thing is to keep the peace. But if someone attacks us, we will respond with all our might.

1950s-1960s (approximate) — Balancing a desire for peace with a readiness for war
Controversial Unverifiable

We are building a new society, a society of free and equal people. And we will not allow anyone to interfere with our construction.

1950s (approximate) — Asserting Soviet sovereignty and determination to pursue its own path
Controversial Unverifiable

The working class is the most advanced and revolutionary class in history. It is the architect of the new society.

1950s (approximate) — Marxist-Leninist praise for the proletariat
Controversial Unverifiable

We will produce more goods, better goods, and cheaper goods than you. And then we will conquer you without firing a shot.

1950s (approximate) — Economic competition as a means of ideological victory
Controversial Unverifiable