One must consider the final result

How we live is so different from how we ought to live that he who studies what ought to be done rather than what is done will learn the way to his downfall rather than to his preservation.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.