No government can exist without taxation. The money must necessarily be levied on the people; and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.

No government can exist without taxation. The money must necessarily be levied on the people; and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.

Everybody is using coffee. If possible, this must be prevented. My people must drink beer.

Though I may not be a king in my future life, so much the better: I shall nevertheless live an active life and, on top of it, earn less ingratitude.

Great advantage is drawn from knowledge of your adversary, and when you know the measure of his intelligence and character, you can use it to play on his weakness.

Diplomacy without military might is like music without instruments.

It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.