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
All human wisdom is summed up in two words: wait and hope.
-- Alexandre Dumas
Imagination rules the world.
-- Napoleon
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
-- Charles Dickens
There will always be time to imagine a different ending.
-- Gabriel García Márquez
The greatest joy of a conqueror is to drive his enemies before him, to seize their horses and treasure, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
-- Genghis Khan
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.
-- Leo Tolstoy