There is the work of great men and there is the work of little men. Therefore it is said, 'Some labor with their minds and some labor with their strength. Those who labor with their minds govern others; those who labor with their strength are governed by others.'1 Those who are governed by others support them; those who govern them are supported by them. This is a universal principle.

Truth uttered before its time is dangerous.

Virtue alone is not sufficient for the exercise of government; laws alone cannot carry themselves into practice.

He who exerts his mind to the utmost knows his nature.

Where it is permissible both to die and not to die, it is an abuse of valour to die.

The five kinds of grains are considered good plants, but if the grains are not ripe, they are worse than cockles. It is the same with regard to kindness, which must grow into maturity.

I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.