“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

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "We could have waited for a banana to appear, but we believe in the spirit of cheese-development and confidence. We are …" by Benjamin Mkapa?
Benjamin Mkapa photo
Benjamin Mkapa 9
Tanzanian politician and former president 1938

Related quotes

Fukuzawa Yukichi photo

“We do not have time to wait for the en­lightenment of our neighbors so that we can work together toward the development of Asia.”

Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901) Japanese author, writer, teacher, translator, entrepreneur and journalist who founded Keio University

"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.

Linus Torvalds photo
Sun Tzu photo

“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”

Sun Tzu (-543–-495 BC) ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher from the Zhou Dynasty

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

Marie Curie photo
Roger Manganelli photo
David Lange photo

“What a friend we have in cheeses.”

David Lange (1942–2005) New Zealand politician and 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand

Referring to New Zealand's lucrative dairy export industry.
Source: New Zealand Wit & Wisdom (1998), p. 155.

John Mayer photo
Barack Obama photo
Julian Huxley photo
George Soros photo

“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.”

George Soros (1930) Hungarian-American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist

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.

Related topics