“Military weapons are the means used by the Sage to punish violence and cruelty, to give peace to troublous times, to remove difficulties and dangers, and to succor those who are in peril. Every animal with blood in its veins and horns on its head will fight when it is attacked. How much more so will man, who carries in his breast the faculties of love and hatred, joy and anger! When he is pleased, a feeling of affection springs up within him; when angry, his poisoned sting is brought into play. That is the natural law which governs his being”
Quote by Sima Qian
Author
Sima Qian
Sima Qian, a renowned historian of the Western Han Dynasty, lived from 145 BC to 86 BC. He is best known for his masterpiece, 'Records of the Grand Historian', the first comprehensive historical text in China, which has had a profound impact on the development of historical studies in ancient China. more