Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.

Violence must be inflicted once for all; people will then forget what it tastes like and so be less resentful. Benefits must be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Men are always wicked at bottom unless they are made good by some compulsion.

Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.

For this is the tragedy of man circumstances change, but he does not.