Ts'ao Chih

Ts'ao Chih (192 – 232), also Cao Zhi, courtesy name Zijian, and posthumously known as Prince Si of Chen, was a Chinese writer and poet. He was a son of Cao Cao, a warlord who rose to power towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and laid the foundation for the state of Cao Wei. Ts'ao Chih is considered one of the greatest lyric poets of China. He was nephew of Ts'ao Pi, the first emperor of Wei dynasty. He had an ambition of becoming king, but his father did not select him to succeed. He was an impetuous man with little self-discipline. His elder brother Cao Pi was ultimately selected by his father to rule, who ostracized him. He finally died heartbroken, lonely and disappointed. His poetry is characterized by brooding melancholy.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Inscriptions on metal and stone,

Howsoever permanent they may
Seem, will some day pass away.
Thus I would rather shine as do
The sun and the moon,
And become as old as heaven and earth.
- Yuan-yu ( Journey to the Faraway)

Zuo Si