Pragmatic approach needed to solve problems

Ezra F. Vogel describes Deng Xiaoping as a pragmatist in his book Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China. Given what the architect of reform and opening-up did for his country, the label is justified.

Deng's most famous quote, "No matter if it is white cat or black cat, as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat", is a good illustration of his pragmatism. Deng was the right leader for the country at a crucial moment in its history, and he made the right choice initiating the reforms that kick-started the country's remarkable progress.

With his experience as one of the top leaders of the country over nearly two decades after the founding of New China in 1949 and his adverse experiences during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), Deng easily identified the problem that needed to be solved in order to release people's enthusiasm for economic development. He knew what this country and its people needed.