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Chen Shui-Bian Quotes

Powerful Chen Shui-Bian for Daily Growth

About Chen Shui-Bian

Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), born on January 12, 1950, in Tainan, Taiwan, was a prominent political figure who served as the President of Taiwan from 2000 to 2008. He was the founding chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and is considered one of its key figures. Chen's early life was marked by adversity. After his father's untimely death, he had to drop out of school at a young age to support his family. However, he later resumed his education and graduated from Tamkang University with a law degree in 1976. His legal career led him to become a human rights activist during the martial law era under Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang (KMT) government. In 1980, Chen was arrested and sentenced for his political activities, but his case gained international attention, leading to his release in 1984 as part of a general amnesty. This experience deeply influenced his political beliefs and commitment to democratic values. Chen's political rise began in earnest when he was elected as the mayor of Kaohsiung in 1994, marking the first time the DPP had won a city-level election since its establishment. In 2000, he was elected President of Taiwan, making him the first native Taiwanese to hold that position. As president, Chen focused on domestic reforms and improving Taiwan's international standing. His presidency was marked by controversy, including allegations of corruption, which led to his indictment after leaving office in 2008. Despite these charges, Chen remains a significant figure in Taiwanese politics and is revered by many for his efforts towards democracy and independence. Chen's quotes often reflect his strong commitment to democratic values and the pursuit of a Taiwanese identity. One of his most famous quotes is: "A nation without a dream is like a ship without a rudder." This quote encapsulates Chen's belief in the power of dreams and aspirations to guide a nation towards its future.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Democracy is not a traffic light that stops when the rich drive through."

This quote emphasizes that democracy should not prioritize the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the majority. It suggests that democracy is more than just a system that allows for free movement, such as a traffic light allowing vehicles to pass; instead, it's a mechanism designed to ensure equal representation and protection of all citizens regardless of their wealth or social status. The rich should not be able to "drive through" unchecked while the rest of society is impeded, indicating an unfair distribution of power and resources. Essentially, Chen Shui-Bian's quote underscores the importance of a democratic system that upholds fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all citizens.

"The Taiwanese people will no longer be a people without a country."

This quote by Chen Shui-Bian reflects the strong desire of the Taiwanese people for national identity and sovereignty. By stating "no longer be a people without a country," he emphasizes the collective aspiration of the Taiwanese to have an independent, recognized nation. It symbolizes their longing for international acknowledgment and political autonomy.

"If you want peace, prepare for war." (This quote is actually from Sun Tzu, but it was famously used by Chen Shui-Bian)

This quote emphasizes the importance of being prepared and vigilant in pursuit of peace. It suggests that peace is not achieved through complacency or avoidance of conflict, but rather by having the strength, strategy, and readiness to defend oneself and one's interests when necessary. In other words, a strong defense and readiness for potential conflict can create an environment conducive to peace.

"We must turn the past into history and face the future squarely."

This quote by Chen Shui-Bian encourages moving forward from past issues or struggles, learning from them as history, and focusing on the future with determination and courage. It suggests that dwelling on the past can hinder progress, and to achieve growth and success, it is essential to face the challenges ahead boldly and proactively.

"Our democracy has been hard-won, and any attempt to destroy it will be met with resistance."

This quote highlights the deep commitment to democracy held by Chen Shui-Bian and the people he represents. By stating that "our democracy has been hard-won," he acknowledges the struggles, sacrifices, and efforts put into establishing and preserving democratic institutions in Taiwan. The phrase "any attempt to destroy it will be met with resistance" signifies a firm stance against any threats or erosion of the democratic system. It suggests that the people will actively defend their democracy, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to its preservation.

Through mutual understanding, sincerity and goodwill, and with great wisdom and broad views, the leaders on both sides should jointly initiate new opportunities for peace, stability, cooperation and mutual benefit.

- Chen Shui-bian

New, Through, Goodwill, New Opportunities

Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest.

- Chen Shui-bian

Nature, Forest, Falls, Entire

The election is over, and even though there are people who have different ideologies and beliefs, from now on we must all embrace each other, creating a harmonious and unified new Taiwan through our love and tolerance.

- Chen Shui-bian

Love, Through, Other, Harmonious

In the 1999 resolution regarding Taiwan's future passed by the Democratic Progressive Party, it is stated very clearly that any change to the status quo of Taiwan must be decided by the people of Taiwan through referenda.

- Chen Shui-bian

Change, Through, Very, Progressive

We will strive to make Taiwan a better place and enable our people to live better lives.

- Chen Shui-bian

Will, Better Place, Lives, Our People

I believe in the greatness of our people.

- Chen Shui-bian

Greatness, Believe, Our People

The grandeur and strength or our people and democracy are as big as a forest.

- Chen Shui-bian

Forest, Big, Grandeur, Our People

We must not demonstrate any arrogance, and we must refrain from any irrational or undemocratic behavior.

- Chen Shui-bian

Arrogance, Must, Demonstrate, Refrain

I have great confidence in Taiwan's democracy. I have great confidence in the universal value and in basic human rights, and I have great confidence that referenda will eventually take root and become part of our daily lives in Taiwan.

- Chen Shui-bian

Confidence, Will, Lives, Daily Lives

I have great confidence in the universal value and in basic human rights and I have great confidence that referenda will eventually take root and become part of our daily lives in Taiwan.

- Chen Shui-bian

Confidence, Will, Lives, Daily Lives

Secondly I would like to make continuous efforts of stabilising cross Strait relations, eventually reaching peace across the Taiwan strait and stability and security in the Asia Pacific region.

- Chen Shui-bian

Like, Asia, Cross, Relations

I understand the harsh feelings and sentiments from my opponents and their supporters because I myself have been defeated twice in my political life in the past and I understand very well it is hard to accept your own failure.

- Chen Shui-bian

Defeated, Been, Very, Supporters

We ask them to remove the missiles deployed against Taiwan, give up their military threat, and instead let us together open the door to cross-Strait peaceful and stable dialogue and negotiations.

- Chen Shui-bian

Door, Give, Against, Missiles

I believe that this is not only the view of the people on both sides of the Strait. It is also the common expectation of the US, Japan and the international community.

- Chen Shui-bian

Both Sides, Japan, Also, International

The majority of Taiwan people cannot accept Taiwan becoming a second Hong Kong, nor can we accept Taiwan becoming a local government of the People's Republic of China or a Special Administrative Region of China.

- Chen Shui-bian

People, Becoming, Republic, Region

Taiwan is an independent sovereign country.

- Chen Shui-bian

Independent, Country, Taiwan, Sovereign

Also in the new constitution, we want to lower the voting age from 20 years to 18 years and also gradually implement a voluntary military service in replacement of the current compulsory military service.

- Chen Shui-bian

New, Constitution, Want, Military Service

We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to view the election result from a positive perspective, to accept the democratic decision of the Taiwanese people.

- Chen Shui-bian

Election, Beijing, Sincerely, Taiwanese

The results of the two referenda demonstrate the majority view of the Taiwanese people.

- Chen Shui-bian

View, Majority, Demonstrate, Taiwanese

We also intend to deal with the issue of incorporating basic human rights into our new constitution.

- Chen Shui-bian

New, Constitution, Deal, Human Rights

I've been charged with misappropriation of funds or misuse of two types of funds.

- Chen Shui-bian

Been, Funds, Types, Charged

I did business the same way President Lee did, and from what I read in the papers, the same way President Ma has done. But I have been charged for misuse and misappropriation. People need to learn at the most basic level that valid charges have not been brought against me.

- Chen Shui-bian

Against, Been, Brought, Charged

During my 8 years in office, I set up a special investigatory branch as part of the highest court level. As it happened, from the time I set it up until now, I'm the one who has been investigated under that procedure. Of course, I had not expected this to happen.

- Chen Shui-bian

Been, Part, Had, Procedure

We will make every effort to unify all ethnic groups, to strengthen belief in Taiwan and to persist in reform.

- Chen Shui-bian

Will, Ethnic, Unify, Strengthen

Over the next four years, I will continue to listen to different views and accept different suggestions.

- Chen Shui-bian

Will, Next, Over, Suggestions

The road to democracy may be winding and is like a river taking many curves, but eventually the river will reach the ocean.

- Chen Shui-bian

Will, Like, May, Winding

It's true I didn't get a fair trial, but the problem is people don't understand the details. It is important to understand the details of the trial and why I'm not guilty under the charges that were brought against me.

- Chen Shui-bian

Understand, Against, Brought, Charges

If we really love and cherish Taiwan, we should hold our hands in unity to protect our country and our democratic values with the most humble and tolerant hearts.

- Chen Shui-bian

Love, Humble, Country, Hearts

I believe in the greatness of our democracy.

- Chen Shui-bian

Greatness, Believe, Our, I Believe In

It has been well over half a century and I'm glad to say we have taken the right path from authoritarianism to democracy and this is a road of no return.

- Chen Shui-bian

Right Path, Over, Been, Return

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