Life and death, union and separation, follow hard upon one another. Nothing is steadfast but the will, nothing endures but one's achieve-ments. These alone count in life.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Life changes like union and separation, but only will and achievements endure and count.
- In plain terms
- Nothing lasts but will and achievements; these count in life.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on building will and lasting achievements.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What truly endures for you?
- How do you measure achievement?
Another view
Achievements alone may not guarantee personal happiness.
More from Yoshida Shoin
As things stand now the feudal lords are content to look on while the shogunate carries on in a highhanded manner. Neither the lords nor the shogun can be depe…
Permalink to quote #10 Once the will is resolved, one's spirit is strengthened. Even a peasant's will is hard to deny, but a samurai of resolute will can sway ten thou-sand men.
Permalink to quote #12 Nowadays everyone lives selfishly and seeks only the leisure in which to indulge his own desires. They look on all the beauties of nature-the rivers and mounta…
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
What is this world of ours? A complex entity subject to sudden changes which all indicate a tendency to destruction; a swift succession of beings which follow …
Denis DiderotDenis Diderot quote #3 What doesn't hurt - is not life; what doesn't pass - is not happiness.
Ivo AndricIvo Andric quote #5 Castles made of sand, fall in the sea, eventually
Jimi HendrixJimi Hendrix quote #6