"Datsu-a-ron" [On departure from Asia], Jiji Shimpo (1885-03-16).
Context: Once the wind of Western civilization blows to the East, every blade of grass and every tree in the East follow what the Western wind brings... We do not have time to wait for the enlightenment of our neighbors so that we can work together toward the development of Asia. It is better for us to leave the ranks of Asian nations and cast our lot with civilized nations of the West... We should deal with them exactly as the Westerners do.
“We could have waited for a banana to appear, but we believe in the spirit of cheese-development and confidence. We are not so poor that we are unable to carry out this project.”
On construction of the Unity Bridge, January 2005 http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=10287
2005
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Benjamin Mkapa 9
Tanzanian politician and former president 1938Related quotes
https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/pipermail/ksummit-discuss/2016-August/003580.html
2010s, 2017
Variant translations
A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.
Source: The Art of War, Chapter I · Detail Assessment and Planning
“What a friend we have in cheeses.”
Referring to New Zealand's lucrative dairy export industry.
Source: New Zealand Wit & Wisdom (1998), p. 155.
Waiting on the World to Change
Song lyrics, Continuum (2006)
Floor Statement on President's Decision to Increase Troops in Iraq (19 January 2007)
2007
Speech at the National Press Club (2004)
Context: Before the invasion of Iraq, we could project overwhelming power in any part of the world. We cannot do so any more because we are bogged down in Iraq. Iran and North Korea are moving ahead with their nuclear programs at full speed and our hand in dealing with them has been greatly weakened.