Nguyen Cong Tru

Nguyen Cong Tru (1773-1858) was a Vietnamese poet. He is known for a poetry that reflects dichotomy between duty and hedonism.

Wisdom & Quotes

• I am weary of elbowing my way

Along the path to glory and profit.
I delight in the company of chrysanthemums and
Pine trees, of the wind and the moon.
I allowed myself to put a foot inside the circle
Of the madding crowd.
And when I suddenly think of it,
I shudder indescribably.

• There are thirty-six thousand days

To a life
And I have wasted sixteen thousand
On nothing.
Please tell God to set back his clock.
- Fleeting Life

Elizabeth Seton