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.
Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies' resources, and minimized their own.
If one girl with courage is a revolution, imagine what feats we can achieve together.
To Edward, I cannot be a traitor, for I owe him no allegiance; he is not my sovereign; he never received my homage; and whilst life is in this persecuted body, he shall never receive it.
Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind - even if your voice shakes.
I was the first man to climb the world's 14 tallest peaks without supplementary oxygen, but I never asked how high I would go, just how I would do it.
It's been a struggle for me because I had a chance to be white and refused.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.