- 自古以来 zìgǔyǐlái since ancient timessince ancient times; from ancient times to the present day
- 人生自古谁无死 rénshēngzìgǔshéiwúsǐ all humans must die eventually(proverb) Literally "since ancient times, who in life has not died?"; implies that since death is inevitable, one should live and die with honor and purpose. From a poem by the Southern Song patriot [[文天祥|文天祥|wen2 tian1 xiang2]].