Those who take up the science of war must not fail to master the [Confucian] Classics. The reason is that arms are dangerous instruments and not necessarily forced for good. How can we safely entrust them to any but those who have schooled themselves in the precepts of the Classics and can use these weapons for the realization of Humanity and Righteousness? To quell violence and disorder, to repulse barbarians and brigands, to rescue living souls from agony and torture, to save the nation from imminent downfall-these are the true ends of Humanity and Righteousness. If, on the contrary, arms are taken up in a selfish struggle to win land, goods, people, and the implements of war, is it not the worst of all evils, the most heinous of all offenses? If, further, the study of offensive and defensive warfare, of the way to certain victory in all encounters, is not based on those principles which should govern their employment, who can say that such venture will not result in just such a misfortune? Therefore, I say that those who take up the science of war must not fail to master the Classics.
Japanese politician (1830-1859)
Yoshida Shoin (吉田 松陰 Yoshida Shōin, September 20, 1830 – November 21, 1859) was a Japanese scholar, military and political philosopher and teacher. While the school he ran was very tiny, most of his students, including Takasugi Shinsaku and Itō Hirobumi played prominent roles in the mid 19th Century Japanese politics and military scenes.
From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Pen Names:
寅次郎
Alternative Names:
Yoshida Torajirō
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Yoshida Shoin
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Yoshida Shouin
From Wikidata (CC0)
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In relations with others, one should express resentment and anger openly and straightforwardly. If one cannot express them openly and straightforwardly, the only thing to do is forget about them. To harbor grievances in one's heart, awaiting some later opportunity to give vent to them, is to act like a weak and petty man-in truth, it can only be called cowardice. The mind of the superior man is like Heaven. When it is resentful or angry, it thunders forth its indignation. But once having loosed its feelings, it is like a sunny day with a clear sky: within the heart there remains not the trace of a cloud. Such is the beauty of true manliness.