宁为玉碎， 不为瓦全

宁为玉碎， 不为瓦全 [nìng wéi yù suì bù wéi wǎ quán]

1. ■ rather be a shattered vessel [broken piece] of jade than an unbroken piece of pottery -- better to die in glory than live in dishonour; better to die in an attempt than seek ignominious safety; die with honour, rather than survive with dishonour; rather die for a noble cause than continue to live a shameful life; would rather be a broken jade object than an intact piece of pottery; would rather be a jade broken than a tile intact; would rather die as a hero than live as a coward