The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous.

Never do an enemy a small injury.

All the armed prophets conquered; all the unarmed ones perished.

If the course of human affairs be considered, it will be seen that many things arise against which heaven does not allow us to guard.

It is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved? It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud