“The Former Han dynasty prospered because the rulers favoured virtuous ministers and alienated petty and corrupt officials; the Later Han dynasty declined because the rulers favoured petty and corrupt officials and alienated virtuous ministers. When the Late Emperor was still living, he would often discuss these topics with me, and he expressed grief and regret when we spoke of Huan and Ling.”

— Zhuge Liang , book Chu Shi Biao

Chu Shi Biao

Original

親賢臣遠小人此先漢所以興隆也. 親小人遠賢臣此後漢所以傾頹也。先帝在時每與臣論此事未嘗不歎息痛恨於桓靈也。

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Zhuge Liang 1

Shu Han chancellor, military strategist 181–234

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