I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the dangers of excessive luxury and distraction from one's true goals.
Genghis Khan's quote reflects the idea that indulging in luxury and material possessions can lead to distraction from one's vision and purpose in life. He warns that excess can make one lose focus and ultimately lose everything that truly matters, likening those who become consumed by their possessions to slaves of their desires.
In practice
In a speech about personal values, you could quote Genghis Khan to emphasize the importance of moderation.
Heaven grew weary of the excessive pride and luxury of China... I am from the Barbaric North. I wear the same clothing and eat the same food as the cowherds and horse-herders. We make the same sacrifices and we share.. our riches. I look upon the nation as a new-born child and I care for my soldiers as though they were my brothers.
It is not sufficient that I succeed - all others must fail.
With Heaven's aid I have conquered for you a huge empire. But my life was too short to achieve the conquest of the world. That task is left for you
An action comitted in anger is an action doomed to failure.
The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it.
If my body dies, let my body die, but do not let my country die.
Youth is not a time of life - it is a state of mind.
Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
In dwelling, live close to the ground._x000D_ _x000D_ In thinking, keep to the simple._x000D_ _x000D_ In conflict, be fair and generous._x000D_ _x000D_ In governing, don't try to control._x000D_ _x000D_ In work, do what you enjoy._x000D_ _x000D_ In family life, be completely present.
Look wide, beyond your immediate surroundings and limits, and you see things in their right proportion. Look above the level of things around you and see a higher aim and possibility to your work.
No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks.
The man was such an intellectual he was of almost no use.
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