Tokugawa Ieyasu

Unified Japan, Tokugawa shogunate

Early Modern influential 87 sayings

Sayings by Tokugawa Ieyasu

Know what is enough. When you know what is enough, you will be rich.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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Victory is for those who can wait.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting his strategic patience.
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The strong must protect the weak. This is the way of the warrior.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting bushidō ideals.
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If you want to know yourself, look at your friends.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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It is better to be feared than loved, if one cannot be both.

N/A (misattributed) — This quote is famously attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli in 'The Prince', not Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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Patience is the key to enduring hardship.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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When you think of yourself, remember that you are a small part of a larger whole.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting humility.
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The world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

N/A (misattributed) — This is a quote from William Shakespeare's 'As You Like It', not Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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Do not let anger control you. Control your anger.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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A man's greatest victory is over himself.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting self-mastery.
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To win, you must be willing to lose.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, emphasizing strategic sacrifice.
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The path to peace is paved with war.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting the reality of his unification efforts.
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Think of the people as your children. Govern them with compassion.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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The wise man learns from his mistakes. The foolish man repeats them.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, common wisdom.
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A leader must be like a rock, unmoving in the face of adversity.

early 17th century — Attributed saying.
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Do not seek riches, but seek wisdom.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
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Even a small stone can cause a great ripple.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, emphasizing the impact of small actions.
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It is only after a long period of peace that one can appreciate the value of peace.

early 17th century — Attributed saying.
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He who fears death will never truly live.

early 17th century — Attributed saying.
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The world is full of people who are always busy, but never accomplish anything.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, emphasizing effective action.
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