Without detachment, one cannot clarify purpose; without tranquility, one cannot reach far.
非淡泊無以明志、非寧静無以致遠。
Military Strategists
Zhuge Liang
The legendary chancellor and military strategist of the Shu Han kingdom during China's Three Kingdoms period (3rd century CE). Zhuge Liang's mastery of logistics, diplomacy, and psychological warfare — combined with unwavering loyalty to a doomed cause — made him the archetype of the brilliant advisor in East Asian culture.
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Zhuge Liang's Other Quotes
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 shall dedicate myself utterly, giving everything until death claims me.
I was originally a commoner, tilling the fields at Nanyang.
Related Quotes
After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.
-- Kuroda Yoshitaka
Life is like unto a long journey with a heavy burden. Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not.
-- Tokugawa Ieyasu
Patience is the foundation of lasting peace. Consider anger your enemy.
-- Tokugawa Ieyasu
Promote talent and talent alone.
-- Cao Cao
Before wine, one should sing — for how long is life? Like morning dew, so many days have passed.
-- Cao Cao
Learning to write is merely enough to record one's name. The sword defeats but a single foe and is not worth mastering. I shall study the art of defeating ten thousand.
-- Xiang Yu