The final edict of Emperor Wu of Han, one of the most significant ancient Chinese emperors, 87 BC. It was an instruction to his crown prince. Preserved by a copy on a piece of wood discovered in 1977. Full translation in the comments. [800×2600]

Full text:

制詔皇太子：朕體不安，今將絕矣；與地合同，終不復起。謹視皇天之嗣，加增朕在。善遇百姓，賦斂以理；存賢近聖，必聚諝士；表教奉先，自致天子。胡亥自圮，滅名絕紀。審察朕言，終身毋己。蒼蒼之天不可得久視，堂堂之地不可得久履，道此絕矣。告後世及其子孫：忽忽錫錫，恐見故里，毋負天地，更亡更在，上顧錦廬，下敦閭里。人固當死，慎毋敢妄。

Imperial Edict to the Crown Prince:

My body is unwell, and now my time has come to an end; I shall return to the earth and never rise again. Carefully observe the mandate of Heaven and strengthen what I have established. Treat the common people with kindness and levy taxes with reason. Keep virtuous and wise men close, and be sure to gather worthy scholars. Promote moral teachings and honor the ancestors and shall you attain the position of Son of Heaven. Huhai (the second emperor of Qin) destroyed himself, his name perished, and his legacy was erased from history. Examine my words carefully and adhere to them for your entire life.

The vast heavens cannot be gazed upon forever, and the grand earth cannot be trodden upon eternally, thus my journey ends here.

To future generations and their descendants: Be vigilant and cautious, for you may one day be forced to return to common status. Do not betray Heaven and Earth; whether one perishes or endures, fate will decide. Look up to the resplendent palace above, and care for the common people below. All men must die, so be mindful and do not act recklessly.

Damn the advice from over 2,000 years ago is actually relevant in today’s world. I mean, minus the whole “empire” and “emperor” thing, the advice itself if read in a slightly different arrangement is good. Now taken for when this emperor said it, damn.

He had some humility which is sorely lacking in todays society.