The noble person who has eaten of his lord's bounty should…
“The noble person who has eaten of his lord's bounty should die in his lord's battles; to return to one's home dead and wrapped in a horse's hide is a happy fate. Am I the sort of people to bring to nought the grand designs of my country?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A noble should die fighting for his lord, finding honor in death rather than returning home in defeat.
In simple terms: Honor lies in fighting for one's leader.
Key Takeaway
Choose honorable service over safety.
Themes
honor
loyalty
war
death
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military service
- political leadership
- family expectations
- national crises
Key Concepts
confucian duty
martial valor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does honor mean today?
- How do you balance duty and self-preservation?
A Different Perspective
Modern contexts may reject glorifying death in battle.