23 Quotes by Chiang Kai-shek
Chiang Kai-shek was a pivotal figure in Chinese history, renowned for his role as a soldier and political leader. Born in 1887, he rose to prominence during the tumultuous era of the Chinese Civil War. Chiang displayed exceptional military acumen and remarkable strategic thinking, which propelled him to the helm of the Nationalist Party. As the leader of the Kuomintang, he sought to unify China and eradicate the warlordism that plagued the nation. Despite his aspirations for a unified China, Chiang's leadership was marked by controversies and challenges, particularly in his dealings with the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong.
His controversial decision to prioritize the eradication of the Communists over resisting Japanese invasion during World War II sparked criticism. Despite this, Chiang's determination and vision for a modern and powerful China cannot be denied. He left an indelible legacy on the island of Taiwan, where he fled after the Communists' victory, and where he established a government that continues to exist to this day.
Chiang Kai-shek Quotes
We live in the present, we dream of the future and we learn eternal truths from the past.
The Japanese are a disease of the skin. The Communists are a disease of the heart.
War is not only a matter of equipment, artillery, group troops or air force; it is largely a matter of spirit, or morale.
If when I die, I am still a dictator, I will certainly go down into the oblivion of all dictators. If, on the other hand, I succeed in establishing a truly stable foundation for a democratic government, I will live forever in every home in China.
We write our own destiny we become what we do.
The sky cannot have two suns.
Democracy is liberty - a liberty which does not infringe on the liberty nor encroach on the rights of others; a liberty which maintains strict discipline, and makes law its guarantee and the basis of its exercise. This alone is true liberty; this alone can produce true democracy.
Mao is a sometime Yin sometime Yang strange man, he has a soft-as-cotton outer layer, but at the same time has sharp needles hiding inside I do not think he could achieve anything, at the end he will be crushed inside my palm.
Character cannot be counterfeited, nor can it be put on and cast off as if it were a garment to fit the whim of the moment. Day by day we become what we do. This is the supreme law and logic of life.
We are working for a revolution. If we do not start it by improving the life of the soldiers, all slogans of reforming and improving society are but empty words.
China is the largest and most ancient of Asiatic countries, but it is not for us boastfully to talk of her right to a position of 'leadership' among those countries.
There are three essential factors in all human activity: spirit, materials, and action.
If one does not act, one cannot understand.
China has no desire to replace Western imperialism in Asia with an Oriental imperialism or isolationism of its own or anyone else.
The rise or fall of Shanghai means the birth or death of the whole nation.
China not only fights for her own independence, but also for the liberation of every oppressed nation. For us, the Atlantic Charter and President Roosevelts proclamation of the Four Freedoms for all peoples are corner-stones of our fighting faith.
We shall not lightly talk about sacrifice until we are driven to the last extremity which makes sacrifice inevitable.
We become what we do.
Don't be disquieted in time of adversity. Be firm with dignity and self-reliant with vigor.
If imperialism is not banished from the country, China will perish as a nation. If China does not perish, then imperialism cannot remain.
Only a fighting nation can make itself responsible for world peace, and such a nation must organize its material resources and manpower with the highest possible degree of efficiency.
Give me fifty DC-3's and the Japanese can have the Burma Road.
You must all be aware that modern war is not a mere matter of military operations. It involves the whole strength and all the resources of the nation. Not only soldiers, but also all citizens without exception, take part.
― Chiang Kai-shek Quotes
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
