I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me.

対酒当歌、人生幾何。譬如朝露、去日苦多。

Cao Cao

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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Source: 短歌行Verified

Cao Cao's Other Quotes

Promote talent and talent alone.

Before wine, one should sing — for how long is life? Like morning dew, so many days have passed.

唯才是挙、吾得而用之。

Related Quotes

人間五十年、下天の内をくらぶれば、夢幻のごとくなり。

-- Oda Nobunaga

There is nothing to be done about it.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu

There is nothing to be done about it.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu

Life is like a long journey carrying a heavy burden. Never hurry.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu

Life is like a long journey carrying a heavy burden. Never hurry.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu

There is nothing to be done about it.

-- Tokugawa Ieyasu