An emperor knows how to govern when poets are free to make verses, people to act plays, historians to tell the truth, ministers to give advice, the poor to grumble at taxes, students to learn lessons aloud, workmen to praise their skill and seek work, people to speak of anything, and old men to find fault with everything.

An emperor knows how to govern when poets are free to make verses, people to act plays, historians to tell the truth, ministers to give advice, the poor to grumble at taxes, students to learn lessons aloud, workmen to praise their skill and seek work, people to speak of anything, and old men to find fault with everything.

As knowledge grew, fear decreased; men thought less of worshiping the unknown, and more of overcoming it.

Those who have suffered much become very bitter or very gentle.

Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.

Moral codes adjust themselves to environmental conditions.

Never put a man in the wrong. He will hold it against you forever.