The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.

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

One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people.

Heaven has appointed me to rule all the nations, for hitherto there has been no order upon the steppes.

Perhaps my children will live in stone houses and walled towns - Not I

Even when a friend does something you do not like, he continues to be your friend.

I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.