A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.

Men are so stupid and concerned with their present needs, they will always let themselves be deceived.

Although deceit is detestable in all other things, yet in the conduct of war it is laudable and honorable; and a commander who vanquishes an enemy by stratagem is equally praised with one who gains victory by force.

as the physicians say it happens in hectic fever, that in the beginning of the malady it is easy to cure but difficult to detect, but in the course of time, not having been either detected or treated in the beginning, it becomes easy to detect but difficult to cure

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

One should never allow chaos to develop in order to avoid going to war, because one does not avoid a war but instead puts it off to his disadvantage