A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity.

A son could bear with great complacency, the death of his father, while the loss of his inheritance might drive him to despair.

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot.

Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to be dead, or to have been conquered by another part of the army. Many times this has given victory to him who used it.

Never do your enemy a minor injury.

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

Men may second fortune, but they cannot thwart her.