Yang Zhu Quotes on Life
Yang Zhu was a Chinese philosopher of the Warring States period, founder of the school traditionally known as the Yangist, who became famous in early Confucian polemic for the doctrine that one would not pluck a single hair from one's body even to benefit the empire. This page collects quotes attributed to Yang Zhu on the topic of life, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“Life is given once; squander it not in the service of any abstraction.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“The wise man tends to his own life, and so the world about him quietly takes care of itself.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“Live for the day; tomorrow's empire is no concern of yours.”
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“The arrival of PLA troops in the vicinity of Beijing is definitely not aimed at dealing with students. They have not come here to deal with the students. Their aim is to restore the normal order of production, of life, of work in Beijing Municipality. At the same time, they aim to protect a number of important departments and major government organs. Therefore, the stationing of the PLA troops in the capital is aimed at maintaining public security. They are, by no means, directed at the students. Everyone will be able to clearly see their activities in the next few days [applause].”
Li Peng Delivers Important Speech On Behalf Of Party Central Committee And State Council" (1989)