Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones
In 1978, there was no clear blueprint for achieving national strength and wealth. However, Deng Xiaoping had two critical realizations for moving forward:
- Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan were experiencing rapid development.
- Their paths could not be entirely copied.
Key approaches:
- Gradually establishing various systems instead of immediately opening markets.
- Encouraging cadres to broaden their horizons and learn from successful experiences worldwide.
Confidence
“He possessed an inner confidence that enabled him to focus directly on the essence of issues. He never dwelled on past mistakes or sought to assign blame.”
Serendipity
Between 1930-1931, Deng faced severe criticism and personal challenges, including a divorce, due to his support for Mao. Ironically, these setbacks laid the groundwork for his later resurgence.
Stable Family Life
After the revolution, Deng enjoyed a stable family life, maintaining a clear division between work and home. His family became a safe haven for him.
Resilience
Deng’s children described his attitude during his exile in Jiangxi:
“He neither acted impulsively nor fell into despair. He never gave up, even on the slimmest thread of hope.”
Pragmatism
Deng refused to affirm the Cultural Revolution unequivocally or endorse the “Two Whatevers” doctrine, even though doing so could have expedited his political return. He believed this approach was essential for reforming and adopting a policy of seeking truth from facts.
“Focus on major issues and personally manage key affairs of top importance.”
Context, Not Control
After 1978, Deng organized study tours abroad for cadres, allowing them to witness global advancements firsthand. This exposure significantly boosted support for reforms.
Replacing “Right and Wrong” with “Sequence”
After Hua Guofeng’s removal, Deng emphasized the need for patience:
“China cannot resolve all problems overnight. Rushing recklessly is unwise. Some challenges must be left for future generations.”
“Focus on the bigger picture before addressing specifics. Begin with fundamental principles before delving into finer details.”
For instance, domestic stability was prioritized before seeking foreign investment or technology.
Requirements for Speeches
“Speeches should be concise, sentences short, and the tone firm and impactful.”
Management Philosophy
Deng criticized collective responsibility, viewing it as a lack of accountability. Instead, he advocated assigning responsibilities to individuals and granting them corresponding authority.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Mao had grandiose visions for China, while Deng adopted a more realistic approach, acknowledging China’s weaknesses and backwardness. Nonetheless, he possessed a foundational confidence in representing a vast and historically rich nation. He neither appeased nor feared foreign powers, treating them as equals in resolving issues. This pragmatic mindset enabled him to resist external pressures that contradicted China’s interests.
Achieving Modernization
Deng outlined four requirements for modernization:
- A steadfast political direction.
- A stable and united political environment.
- A spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship.
- A cadre team committed to socialism, equipped with professional knowledge and skills.
Efficient Meetings
On February 29, during the final day of the Fifth Plenum, Deng emphasized the importance of efficient leadership:
“Meetings should be small, brief, and well-prepared. If there’s nothing to say, then keep silent. Meetings and speeches must aim to solve problems. Major issues should be collectively decided, but individual tasks must have clear accountability.”
Prioritizing Key Issues
Deng was renowned for distinguishing between major and minor matters, focusing his energy on transformative actions:
- Formulating long-term strategies.
- Assessing policies critical to achieving long-term goals.
- Garnering support from grassroots cadres and the public.
- Promoting exemplary cases to reflect his policies.
For complex areas like economics or technology, Deng relied on experts to provide strategic options, making the final decisions himself. However, he personally oversaw issues related to national defense, foreign relations, and the selection of senior officials.
Long-term Vision for Short-term Decisions
Deng avoided introducing controversial policies prematurely. For instance, he initially refrained from openly supporting the dismantling of rural communes. Instead, he advocated for practical solutions to local famine, which even conservative opponents found hard to criticize. After observing the success of household contract responsibility systems, he cautiously endorsed their expansion, ensuring public support before wider implementation.
This approach reflected Deng’s long-term vision. At over 70 years old when he became the top leader, he viewed national progress with the perspective of China’s 2,000-year history. Freed from the constraints of short-term elections, he set ambitious long-term goals, such as quadrupling GDP by 2000 and establishing a moderately prosperous society by mid-21st century.
Explaining Complex Issues with Simple Analogies
Deng used accessible metaphors to explain policies, making them widely accepted and memorable. For example:
- “It doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice, it’s a good cat.” This minimized the importance of ideology, emphasizing practical results instead.
- “Let some people get rich first.” This statement tempered public jealousy toward early beneficiaries of reform while reassuring others that prosperity would eventually reach everyone.
- “Crossing the river by feeling the stones.” This phrase encouraged experimentation, acknowledging that not all policies would succeed under new circumstances.
Creating the Right Atmosphere
At the highest levels of governance, outcomes significantly influence the support for policies and leaders. Deng valued experimental trials in select areas, promoting successful models for broader implementation. He carefully built alliances, even with critics, delaying initiatives if opposition was too strong.
Deng believed that successful leaders not only set long-term strategies but also cultivated a favorable atmosphere for action. His leadership style involved seizing opportunities when cadres and the public were ready to mobilize.
“No Debate, Just Try”
Deng’s approach often bypassed protracted debates: “Don’t argue, just experiment, and expand successful trials.”
Staying Calm and Focused
Amid international sanctions and criticism, Deng advised his successors:
“Summarize this in three points: First, calmly observe. Second, stabilize our position. Third, respond with composure. Stay calm and focused on doing one thing well—our own work.”
Common Sayings
In difficult times, Deng frequently repeated:
“Calmly observe, stabilize our position, respond with composure, and take action where possible.”
Action Over Debate
Deng’s consistent approach was to avoid wasting time on arguments, instead prioritizing actions to gain support.