China is a vast, disparate country; there is no alternative to strong central power.
Lee Kuan YewRead
Let the historians and the Ph.D. students work out their doctrines. I'm not interested in theories per se.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker emphasizes a preference for practical outcomes over theoretical debates.
In this quote, Lee Kuan Yew expresses his disinterest in abstract theories and doctrines, suggesting that he values practical results and real-world applications over academic discussions. This reflects a pragmatic approach to governance and decision-making, where the focus is on effective policy and achievements rather than on theoretical constructs that may not translate to reality.
Themes
PragmatismTheoryPracticeRealismGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about effective leadership styles.
More from Lee Kuan Yew
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Political reform need not go hand in hand with economic liberalization.. I hold unconventional views about this.. I do not believe if you are a libertarian, full of diverse opinions, full of competing ideas in the market place, full of sound and fury, therefore you will succeed.
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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.
Lee Kuan YewRead
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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