Death, Meaning, Motivation, Translation

(Construction cranes in the bamboo forest; Balancing nature and urbanization in China PSA Advertising)

From the Book of Northern Qi, 7th century Chinese text: "大丈夫寧可玉砕何能瓦全."

Translation: "A man would rather be a shattered jade than be a complete roof tile."

Alternative translation: "A great man should die as a shattered jewel rather than live as an intact tile."

Google translation: "A real man would rather jade Sui who can be your guns."


Emiliano Zapata, Mexican revolutionary: "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas."

Translation: "It is better to die upon your feet than to live upon your knees."

Alternative translation: "I prefer to die standing than to live forever kneeling."

Google translation: "I'd rather die standing than live on your knees."