Life is not a short candle, but a torch temporarily held by us. We must burn it bright and splendid, then pass it on to the next generation.
The United States is the only society that went directly from barbarism to decadence without passing through a stage of civilization.
The people are the most important; the ruler is the lightest; the altars of the land come next.
With a peaceful mind, enjoy the brevity of life. Keep things in perspective, maintain inner balance at all times, believe in yourself, hold on to a calm mind, remain unruffled in change, smile often, and live freely. In doing so, you will spend your life in happiness.
Human reason has shattered superstition, and human emotion will also destroy egoism. —Heine
Chinese people dare not face all aspects of reality directly; instead, they use deception and pretense to create miraculous escape routes, believing them to be the right path. On this path, the cowardice, laziness, and cunning of the national character are demonstrated. Day by day, they feel satisfied, yet day by day, they degenerate, while feeling increasingly glorious. In fact, every time the nation falls, a few loyal martyrs are added. Later generations rarely think of restoring the old order, but instead glorify those few loyal subjects. Every time there is a disaster, a group of chaste women is created. After the event, people rarely think of punishing the culprits or self-defense, but only sing praises of that group of women. Source: "Opening One's Eyes," Author: Lu Xun
I have despised my soul seven times
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. —Sun Tzu
Confucius: In a group of three walking together, there is always one who can be my teacher.
From a certain point, one does not return; this point is attainable. Author: Kafka
When you see good, change to it; when you have faults, correct them.
Proficiency in one's business comes from diligence. —Han Yu, Tang Dynasty, "Explanation for the Promotion of Learning". The advancement of learning depends on diligence. Academic progress comes from diligence, while it is wasted by idling and play; achievements in conduct come from reflection, while they are ruined by laziness and carelessness. When a sagely ruler meets worthy ministers, laws are fully observed.
If one's will is not strong, one's intelligence will not reach its potential. —Mo Di
Those with firm wills are the masters of fame and achievement. Those who are not lazy are the teachers of all virtues. —"Baopuzi"
I wish to prove that anyone who acts with kindness and nobility will thereby be able to bear hardships. —Beethoven
What ancient teachings instruct is such a way of life, teaching people not to move. If one does not move, mistakes are certainly fewer. But for non-living rocks, sand, and mud, aren't mistakes even fewer? I believe that for humanity to ascend, i.e., to develop, one should act. Even if there are some mistakes in the process of acting, it does not matter. Only half-dead, half-alive苟活 (苟活 is often translated as '苟且偷生' or 'muddling along') is a complete mistake. Because it hangs the sign of life, yet actually leads people down the path to death! Author: Lu Xun
Cao Cao: An old horse lying in the stable still harbors ambitions; a strong heart never ceases.
