It's no virtue to gain the whole world. Just gain the heart of one person.

God preserve us! If men knew what is done in secret, no one would be free from the interference of others.

When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts.

Liberty is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it. Be assured that men most commonly seek to oblige thee only that they may engage thee to serve them.

A tree, freshly rooted, may be pulled up by one man on his own. Give it time, and it will not be moved, even with a crane

If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.

He who is intoxicated with wine will be sober again in the course of the night, but he who is intoxicated by the cupbearer will not recover his senses until the day of judgement.