It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
Poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that poverty should not be equated with socialism, and it praises the pursuit of wealth as a positive aspiration.
Deng Xiaoping's quote emphasizes the distinction between poverty and socialism, arguing against the notion that being poor is a desirable state or an inherent virtue of socialism. He asserts that wealth and prosperity should be seen as commendable goals, reflecting a positive attitude towards capitalism and its potential to create opportunities for individuals to improve their circumstances.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on economic policies, I might say, 'As Deng Xiaoping stated, poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious.' to emphasize the importance of wealth creation.
More from Deng Xiaoping
All quotes βChina is not a superpower, nor will she ever seek to be one... If one day China should change her color and turn into a superpower, if she too should play the tyrant in the world, and everywhere subject others to her bullying, aggression and exploitation, the people of the world should identify her as social-imperialist, expose it, oppose it and work together with the Chinese people to overthrow it.
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