Sima Qian

Sima Qian (c. 145-90 BCE), speaking as Master Li (flourished 3rd century BCE)


"To a king the people are 'heaven,' and to the people food is 'heaven.'"

• From a speech delivered by Master Li in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shi Ji, 97) by Sima Qian. Translated by Burton Watson (Columbia University Press, 1993).
  
  
  
  Look at more Sima Qian quotes, HERE.
  
  Check out more Chinese quote pictures, HERE.
  
  Glance through more ancient quote pictures, HERE.
  
  Return to the quote pictures home page, HERE.