To draw near the worthy and distance the petty -- this is why the Former Han flourished. To draw near the petty and distance the worthy -- this is why the Later Han declined.

I was originally a commoner, tilling the fields at Nanyang.

Without detachment, one cannot clarify purpose; without tranquility, one cannot reach far.

Wellbeing is attained by little and little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.

-- Zeno of Citium

I fight my enemies with swords, not with salt.

-- Uesugi Kenshin

Can you call yourself human if you forget your debts of loyalty and pursue only selfish gain?

-- Sanada Yukimura

Life is like unto a long journey with a heavy burden. Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu

If you do not know you may fall halfway through your work, you will not fall halfway through.

-- Sakamoto Ryōma

Promote talent and talent alone.

-- Cao Cao