What is at a peak is certain to decline. He who shows his hand will surely be defeated. He who can prevail in battle by taking advantage of his enemy's doubts is invincible.
Rather we let down the world than the world let us down!
I'd rather betray the world than let the world betray me.
You can't judge a book by its cover, can you?
I'd rather let the world down than to allow the world to let me down.
My ambition cannot be stopped!
Each man is for his lord, do not give chase.
Any who stand in my way shall be cut down!
I like to kill people in my dreams, so when I fall asleep be sure not to come too close.
I will show you the path to the spirit world.
I remain myself. I have never cared about others misjudging me
I would employ the wise and strong of the empire, using righteousness to lead them. In this way, nothing is impossible.
Author details
Cao Cao: Biography and Life Work
Cao Cao was a notable Chinese statesman.
Cao Cao ( pronunciation ⓘ ; [tsʰǎʊ tsʰáʊ] ; Chinese : 曹操 ; c. 155 – 15 March 220 AD), courtesy name Mengde , was a Chinese statesman, warlord, and poet who rose to power during the end of the Han dynasty ( c. 184–220 AD), ultimately taking effective control of the Han central government. He laid the foundation for the state of Cao Wei (220–265 AD), established by his son and successor Cao Pi , who ended the Eastern Han dynasty and inaugurated the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). Beginning in his own lifetime, a corpus of legends developed around Cao Cao which built upon his talent, his cruelty, and his perceived eccentricities.
Legacy and Personal Influence
Personally, Cao Cao was married to Lady Ding, Lady Bian.
Philosophical Views and Reflections
In early 211, Cao Cao ordered Zhong Yao and Xiahou Yuan to lead an army to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong Commandery . They were due to pass through the Guanzhong region along the way. The warlords in Guanzhong thought that Cao Cao was planning to attack them, so they, under the leadership of Ma Chao and Han Sui , formed a coalition known as the Guanxi Coalition ( 關西軍 ; "coalition from the west of Tong Pass ") and rebelled against the Han imperial court.
Cao Cao appears in many historical simulations based on the Three Kingdoms period including all instalments of Koei 's Romance of the Three Kingdoms video game series and Total War: Three Kingdoms . He is also featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi series. He also features in Koei 's Kessen II as a playable main character.
