China is a vast, disparate country; there is no alternative to strong central power.
Lee Kuan YewRead
What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people's welfare over strict adherence to democratic processes when necessary.
Lee Kuan Yew highlights that in leadership, the primary obligation is to ensure the welfare and survival of the people, suggesting that sometimes democratic norms and processes may need to be temporarily set aside to achieve the greater good. This perspective reveals a pragmatic approach to governance, prioritizing human needs in times of crisis over unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.
Themes
LeadershipPrioritiesWelfareDemocracyCrisis
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech to underline the importance of leadership during emergencies.
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The human being is an unequal creature. That is a fact. And we start off with the proposition. All the great religions, all the great movements, all the great political ideology, say let us make the human being as equal as possible. In fact, he is not equal, never will be.
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They say, oh, letβs have multiparty politics. Letβs have different parties change and be in charge of the Government. Is it that simple? You vote in a Division Three government, not a Division One government, and the whole economy will just subside within three, four years. Finished.
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America's greatest long-term influence on China comes from playing host to the thousands of students who come from China each year, some of the ablest Chinese scholars and scientists. They will be the most powerful agents for change in China.
Lee Kuan YewRead
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