Tokugawa Ieyasu

Unified Japan, Tokugawa shogunate

Early Modern influential 87 sayings

Sayings by Tokugawa Ieyasu

The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at times of controversy and challenge.

Early 17th century (if attributed) — A quote often attributed to Martin Luther King Jr., but sometimes misattributed to historical figure…
Controversial Unverifiable

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Early 17th century (if attributed) — Biblical quote (Deuteronomy 31:6), incorrectly attributed to Ieyasu. Low confidence.
Controversial Unverifiable

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Early 17th century — A well-known political adage, sometimes associated with Ieyasu's strategic alliances.
Controversial Unverifiable

One must be like a cat, supple and watchful, but ready to pounce.

Early 17th century — An analogy attributed to him, describing a desired strategic mindset.
Controversial Unverifiable

A good general must be able to change his plans on the battlefield.

Early 17th century — A strategic observation on adaptability in warfare, attributed to him.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

Early 17th century — A strategic ideal, often attributed to him, reflecting a preference for diplomacy or intimidation ov…
Controversial Unverifiable

Fear is a powerful motivator.

Early 17th century — A pragmatic observation on human psychology and control, attributed to him.
Controversial Unverifiable

Never show your true intentions.

Early 17th century — A strategic piece of advice attributed to him, emphasizing cunning and deception.
Controversial Unverifiable

The wise conqueror divides and rules.

Early 17th century — A political strategy often associated with Ieyasu's methods of consolidating power.
Controversial Unverifiable

He who seeks revenge should dig two graves.

Early 17th century — A proverb warning against the futility of revenge, sometimes attributed to Ieyasu.
Controversial Unverifiable

One must be like a rock, unmoving in principle, but adaptable in method.

Early 17th century — A metaphorical description of leadership, attributed to him.
Controversial Unverifiable

Little bird, if you don't sing I will wait for you to sing.

Early 17th century (approx.) — A saying attributed to him, reflecting patience
Humorous Unverifiable

After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.

Early 17th century (approx.) — A proverb emphasizing vigilance even after success
Humorous Unverifiable

Life is like a long journey with a heavy burden. Don't hurry.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
Shocking Unverifiable

The strong eat the weak. The weak become the food of the strong.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, reflecting the Sengoku period's harsh realities.
Shocking Unverifiable

If you know men, you are wise.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
Shocking Unverifiable

To conquer a country, one must first conquer the hearts of its people.

early 17th century — Attributed saying, though its exact origin is debated.
Shocking Unverifiable

The greatest joy in life is to defeat one's enemies, to drive them before you, to take from them all they possess, to ride their horses, and to make their wives and daughters weep.

N/A (misattributed) — This is a misattribution, often incorrectly ascribed to Genghis Khan, not Ieyasu. Ieyasu's known say…
Shocking Unverifiable

Endure the unendurable. Bear the unbearable.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
Shocking Unverifiable

The human life is like a long journey with a heavy burden. There is no need to hurry.

early 17th century — Precepts of Ieyasu (Jinkun-kun)
Shocking Unverifiable