He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.

Some give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before.

In peace children inter their parents, war violates the order of nature and causes parents to inter their children.

The period of a [Persian] boy's education is between the ages of five and twenty, and he is taught three things only: to ride, to use the bow, and to speak the truth.

He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.

Where even a falsehood must be told, let it be told.

But if you know that you are a man too, and that even such are those that rule, learn this first of all: that all human affairs are a wheel which, as it turns, does not allow the same men always to be fortunate.