Deng Xiaoping was a politician and reformist leader in China. He led his country to a market economy in the 20th century. Here are quotes by Deng Xiaoping:

1. ‘Seek truth from facts’

Speaking earnestly about politics.

2. ‘To get rich is glorious’

Proclaiming that being rewarded for hard work is essential.

3. ‘The minority yields to the majority’

The majority almost always wins.

4. ‘Reform is China’s second revolution’

Said as he planned the reform of China.

5. ‘Let some people get rich first’

Allowing some people to be wealthy is important.

6. ‘It doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice’

It doesn’t matter how something is dressed up providing the job gets done.

7. ‘Maintain a low profile, never take the lead but aim to do something big’

Keep quiet and work from the background, but be sure to do something big.

8. ‘Poverty is not socialism’

Dismissing the idea that socialism causes poverty.

9. ‘When our thousands of Chinese students abroad return home, you will see how China will transform itself’

Speaking about how Chinese students will learn from other cultures for the greater good of China.

10. ‘Young leading cadres have risen up by helicopter. They should really rise step by step’

People flung to the highest ranks often struggle.

11. ‘We should do more and talk less’

His adaptation to the phrase ‘action speak louder than words’.

12. ‘Not only should we push up the economy, we should also create a good social order and a good social mood’

The economy is important, but so is the happiness of the people.

13. ‘In rural and urban reforms, we don’t hold debate, instead we make bold experiments and breakthrough’

If you do something bold, you will be rewarded.

14. ‘The United States brags about its political system, but the President says one thing during the election, something else when he takes office, something else at midterm and something else when he leaves.’

Here he criticises the American government and the flakiness of American politicians.

15. ‘By following the concept of one country and two systems, you don’t swallow me up nor I you’

Said when speaking about his ideas for reform.