There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

Ability and perseverance are the weapons of weakness.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.

Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.

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

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul.

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

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

Never do an enemy a small injury.

Politics have no relation to morals.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

Power is the pivot on which everything hinges. He who has the power is always right; the weaker is always wrong.

it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.

Always assume incompetence before looking for a conspiracy.

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