In war, character and opinion make more than half of the reality.

A great reputation is a great noise, the more there is of it, and the further does it swell. Land, monuments, Nations, all fall, but the noise remains, and will reach to other generations.

In the last analysis, one must be a military man in order to govern. It is only with boot and spurs that one can govern a horse.

The only way to lead people is to show them a future: a leader is a dealer in hope.

Public opinion is the thermometer a monarch should constantly consult.

Arabia was idolatrous when, six centuries after Jesus, Muhammad introduced the worship of the God of Abraham, of Ishmael, of Moses, and Jesus. The Ariyans and some other sects had disturbed the tranquility of the east by agitating the question of the nature of the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost. Muhammad declared that there was none but one God who had no father, no son and that the trinity imported the idea of idolatry.

I pay attention only to what people do or say. I never pay attention to what they think.