Greatness is a practice not a status.

I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.

He was so learned that he could name a horse in nine languages; so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on.

The thought of only being a creature of the present and the past was troubling. I longed for a future, too, with hope in it. The desire to be free, awakened my determination to act, to think, and to speak.

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike at him as hard as you can and as often as you can, and keep moving on.

Real excellence does not come cheaply. A certain price must be paid in terms of practice, patience, and persistence—natural ability notwithstanding.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.

To be able to practice five things everywhere under the heaven constitutes perfect virtue. . . gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.