When we talk about democracy, if the people's stomach is empty, democracy is also empty. Democracy can not be installed by fiat; it must be achieved …

- Y. C. James Yen

When we have a new heart, we become new people, and then we have a new society, then we have a new nation.

- Y. C. James Yen

Technical know-how of the experts must be transformed into practical do-how of the people.

- Y. C. James Yen

I must dedicate my life to teaching my people, for only education would make their lot less bitter, their latent power more strong.

- Y. C. James Yen

True independence is not a gift to be received. It can't be a hand-out to people. It must be an achievement by the people.

- Y. C. James Yen

Go to the people Live among them Learn from them Love them Serve them Plan with them Start with what they know Build on what they have.

- Y. C. James Yen

Relief has its place. But what the people need is not relief, but release - release of their own potential for development.

- Y. C. James Yen

Commitment cannot be taught; it can only be caught. I refer to the crusading spirit. Without the crusading spirit, you may have the starting powe…

- Y. C. James Yen

We work with the people not out of pity but out of respect for their potential for growth and development, both as individuals and as communities.

- Y. C. James Yen