An action comitted in anger is an action doomed to failure.

People conquered on different sides of the lake should be ruled on different sides of the lake.

In the space of seven years I have succeeded in accomplishing a great work and uniting the whole world in one Empire.

The strength of walls depends on the courage of those who guard them.

Remember, you have no companions but your shadow

If unable to abstain from drinking, a man may get drunk three times a month; if he does it more than three times he is culpable; if he gets drunk twice a month it is better; if once a month, this is still more laudable; and if one does not drink at all what can be better? But where can I find such a man? If such a man were found he would be worthy of the highest esteem.

Heaven grew weary of the excessive pride and luxury of China... I am from the Barbaric North. I wear the same clothing and eat the same food as the cowherds and horse-herders. We make the same sacrifices and we share.. our riches. I look upon the nation as a new-born child and I care for my soldiers as though they were my brothers.