A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.

Greed is costly. Assembled fortunes are lost.

To know one's ignorance is the best part of knowledge.

Fail to honor people, they fail to honor you.

Not praising the deserving prevents envy.

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.