If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people

Similar sayings:

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago The second best time is today The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago The second best time is today
Plan your year in the spring, your day at dawn Plan your year in the spring, your day at dawn
The one who plants the tree is not the one who will enjoy its shade The one who plants the tree is not the one who will enjoy its shade
One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade
Plant the crab-tree where you will it will never bear pippins Plant the crab-tree where you will it will never bear pippins

Chinese sayings and proverbs