Yoshida Shōin Quotes

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 • Yoshida Shoin • Yoshida Shouin

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One who aspires to greatness should read and study, pursuing the True Way with such a firm resolve that he is perfectly straightforward and open, rises above the superficialities of conventional behavior, and refuses to be satisfied with the petty or commonplace.

To consider oneself different from ordinary men is wrong, but it is right to hope that one will not remain like ordinary men.

If a general and his men fear death and are apprehensive over possible defeat, then they will unavoidably suffer defeat and death. But if they make up their minds, from the general down to the last footsoldier, not to think of living but only of standing in one place and facing death together, then, though they may have no other thought than meeting death, they will instead hold on to life and gain victory.