The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the courage of the men who defend it.
Interpretation
Courage determines the strength of a defense.
This quote emphasizes that the fortitude and bravery of those who guard something is what truly defines its resilience. A wall, while physically strong, can only withstand adversity to the extent that the defenders demonstrate courage and determination in their efforts to protect it.
In practice
During a team meeting to inspire courage in challenging times.
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
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.
An action comitted in anger is an action doomed to failure.
If my body dies, let my body die, but do not let my country die.
To cowards what advice shall I offer? - nothing whatsoever have I to say.
Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of moral courage.
Honour belongs to those who never forsake the truth even when things seem dark and grim, who try over and over again, who are never discouraged by insults, humiliation and even defeat.
Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.
I've participated in many demonstrations since I was a child. When I was at medical college, I was fighting King Farouk, then British colonization, against Nasser, against Sadat who pushed me into prison, Mubarak who pushed me into exile. I never stopped.
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing as they must if they believe they can do nothing. There is nothing worse because the council of despair is declaration of irresponsibility; it is Pilate washing his hands.
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