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

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

Promote talent and talent alone.

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?

-- The 'One-Eyed Dragon' of northern Japan who carved

Never flatter others. Never desire wealth and status.

-- Toyotomi Hideyoshi's chief strategist and the architect of his greatest victories

People are the castle, people are the walls, people are the moat. Compassion makes allies; cruelty makes enemies.

-- The 'Tiger of Kai' who transformed his landlocked mountain domain into one of Sengoku Japan's most formidable military powers

Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.

-- The peasant who became ruler of all Japan

Without first establishing internal governance, there can be no external campaigns.

-- The ruthlessly effective architect of modern Japan who built the Meiji state's institutions while his more charismatic peers took the glory

Revere Heaven, Love People.

-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority