Wen Jiabao quotes:

There are two books that I often travel with; one is 'The Theory on Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith. The other is 'The Meditations.' It's not that I agree with either views expressed in the books, but I believe ideas and thoughts of older generations can offer food for thought for the current generation.

Only science and the spirit of seeking truth from facts can save China. I firmly believe in this.

Personally, I attach great importance to research in fundamental sciences because I believe that no applied or developmental research can do without basic research as the wellspring and driving force. But, in this world of ours, often because of material gains and immediate interests, it is easy to neglect basic research. This should be avoided.

It is only when there is the supervision and critical oversight from the people that the government will be in a position to do an even better job, and employees of government departments will be the true public servants of the people.

China is a main energy consumer and, therefore, is also a big greenhouse gas emitter. We must use energy resources rationally and must conserve. This needs us to adjust our economic structure, transform the mode of development, to make economic development more dependent on progress of science and technology and the quality of the work force.

Inappropriate macro economic policies in some economies, characterised by [a] low savings rate and high consumption [and] failure of financial supervision and regulation to keep up with innovation which allowed financial derivatives to spread.

China and other members should join efforts to combat serious infectious disease, such as bird flu. To enhance the cooperation on the prevention of bird flu is an important target of the organization, which includes Russia, China and four Central Asian states.

All political parties, organizations, and all people should abide by the constitution and laws without any exception. They must all act in accordance with the constitution and laws. I see that as a defining feature of modern political system development.

I have a dream to provide every Chinese, especially children, sufficient milk each day.

As far as the U.S. economy is concerned, I always believe that the U.S. economy is solidly based, not only in a material sense, but more importantly, the United States has the strength of scientific and technological talent, and managerial expertise.

More scientific language and less diplomatic rhetoric may make this world even better.

Cooperation is just like two pagodas - one hardware and one software. Combined, we can take the leadership position in the world.

Only when the masses are reassured, can the country be at peace. Only when the country is at peace, can the leaders be relieved.

As long I still have a breath left in me I will dedicate myself fully to China's reform.

Confidence is the most important thing, more important than gold or currency.

If people are able to run the affairs of a village well, eventually they'll be able to run a township, and a county.

Sino-Japanese relations will certainly brighten more in the future and the flowers of friendly Sino-Japanese relations will increase their beauty.

Socialism, as I understand it, is a system of democracy. Without democracy, there is no socialism.

The Chinese government attaches importance to, and protects, human rights. We have incorporated these lines into the Chinese constitution, and we also implement the stipulation in real earnest. I think for any government, what is most important is to ensure that its people enjoy each and every right given to them by the constitution.

There are people who will appreciate what I've done, and there will be people who will criticize me. Ultimately history will have the final say.

China has established friendship with many African countries, and is opening itself up to Africa and providing assistance. It is cooperating with African countries on an equal basis and has no desire to colonize Africa.

I believe I and all the Chinese people have such a conviction that China will make continuous progress and the people's wishes for and needs for democracy and freedom are irresistible.

If in a country, most of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few, then this country can hardly witness harmony and stability.

The speed of the fleet is not determined by the fastest vessel; rather it is determined by the slowest one.