The navigation of our inland waters has for years been sought in vain by foreign countries, and if we grant the privilege to Russia, other States will be guided in their demands by her example. Zhang Zhidong More Quotes by Zhang Zhidong More Quotes From Zhang Zhidong Today our books are numberless, and one man cannot master them in a lifetime. Now that the sea-waves are dashing upon our shores, unless we keep pace with the times and acquire Western learning, we shall be left in the lurch. Zhang Zhidong now man learning today We must assent to the will of Heaven above and conform to the wishes of men on earth below, but the government should assert the majesty of its warlike might in order to drive away the hordes of fierce and cruel men. We know that the dispositions of these outer barbarians are as ravenous as those of wolves. Zhang Zhidong drive fierce government men Foreigners can only fight with success in the summer. We can fight during any of the four seasons, so we have the weather on our side. Zhang Zhidong fight seasons success weather Our soldiers and people form one family. United, we may count on victory. Zhang Zhidong soldiers victory family people The dependencies of inner and outer Mongolia are the bulwarks of China. The desert of Gobi, stretching for ten thousand li, is a barrier set by Heaven to the Russians, and if they seek to invade our borders, they will find it everywhere along the Northern frontier difficult and troublesome. Zhang Zhidong will desert difficult heaven