“In union, there is strength.”

Persuasion is more effective than force.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

There can be no good fable with human beings in it. There can be no good fairy tale without them.

There can be no good fable with human beings in it. There can be no good fairy tale without them.

Better to starve free than be a fat slave.

Better to starve free than be a fat slave.

Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hidden.

Please all, and you will please none.

Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.

The more you want, the more you stand to lose.

Don’t neglect the future in times of plenty, for tomorrow you may need what you wasted today.

A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.

Betray a friend, and you’ll often find you have ruined yourself.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

The transfer of power is always a test of the constitutional system, a test of its strength.

The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.

Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence.

No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.

Hard times build determination and inner strength.

We will bring together the strengths of the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to further accelerate the enlightenment work toward road restoration as soon as possible.

When I say ‘hero’, do not picture someone with strength to fight and conquer evil – because evil is not something that can ever be conquered or defeated. Evil is natural. It is innate in all humans.