'From of old there was no one

In the entire world reduced to straits

Like mine,' I often thought to myself.

But it was not by their deep insight

That others succeeded as they did.

There was no good and able man

Found his way to happiness; and

It was not for want of great sagacity

That all the other men failed to do so,

As it was simply owing to the times. . .

People that do business on the water

And crocs -- that's the courage of fishermen.

Those who do business on land

Do not scare from meeting bears

And tigers -- that's the courage of hunters.

When men see the sharp weapons

Crossed before them in hand-to-hand fight

And look on death as going home --

That is the courage of soldiers.

When man knows that his strait

Is determined for him and that his good luck

Depends on the character of the time and then,

Meeting with great calamity is yet not afraid --

That is the courage of sagely men.

Wait, young man, and you'll see

Who really you are and what

There is determined for you

In your due time, so don't waste it.