Before wine, one should sing — for how long is life? Like morning dew, so many days have passed.
寧教我負天下人、休教天下人負我。
Military Strategists
Cao Cao
The dominant warlord of China's Three Kingdoms era (155-220 CE), who unified the war-torn north through military genius, political cunning, and meritocratic talent recruitment. Equally accomplished as a poet and administrator, Cao Cao embodies the archetype of the complete leader — strategist, statesman, and artist in one.
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Cao Cao's Other Quotes
Related Quotes
Youth on horseback has passed. The world is at peace and white hairs multiply. With what remains of life that heaven permits, how can I not enjoy it?
-- Date Masamune
This man might be the one to seize the realm.
-- Kuroda Yoshitaka
After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.
-- Kuroda Yoshitaka
In Shingen's art of war, it is said one should value the later victory. That may be so, but I value the first victory.
-- Uesugi Kenshin
There is no use deliberating now.
-- Oda Nobunaga
An army's strength lies not in numbers, but in discipline.
-- Wu Qi