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It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
Deng Xiaoping
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The effectiveness of an action is more important than the means used to achieve it.

This quote from Deng Xiaoping emphasizes pragmatism and the importance of results over ideology. It suggests that what truly matters is the outcome of one's actions, regardless of the methods or appearances involved, urging a focus on practicality and effectiveness in problem-solving.

Themes

PragmatismResultsEffectivenessBlack And WhiteIdeology

In practice

Example use cases

During a business meeting to discuss productivity strategies, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of results over rigid procedures.

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Poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious.
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