“The greatest happiness is to vanquish your enemies, to chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth, to see those dear to them bathed in tears, to clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.”

I hate luxury. I exercise moderation, It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.

A man’s greatest joy is crushing his enemies.

Those who were adept and brave fellows I have made military commanders. Those who were quick and nimble I have made herders of horses. Those who were not adept I have given a small whip and sent to be shepherds.

The merit in action lies in finishing it to the end.

Come and sip from the cup of destruction.

Remember, you have no companions but your shadow.

I am the punishment of God, If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.

Be of one mind and one faith, that you may conquer your enemies and lead long and happy lives.

It is not sufficient that I succeed – all others must fail.

Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard.

In the space of seven years I have succeeded in accomplishing a great work and uniting the whole world in one Empire.

Despite all expectations, the time of my last campaign and of my passing is near. I wish to die at home. Let not my end disarm you, and on no account weep for me, lest the enemy be warned of my death.

There is no good in anything until it is finished.

Man’s greatest joy is to slay his enemy, plunder his riches, ride his steeds, see the tears of his loved ones and embrace his women.

Just as God gave different fingers to the hand so has He given different ways to men.

One arrow alone can be easily broken but many arrows are indestructible.

As every scuba diver knows, panic is your worst enemy: when it hits, your mind starts to thrash and you are likely to do something really stupid and self-destructive.

Ignorance is an enemy, even to its owner. Knowledge is a friend, even to its hater. Ignorance hates knowledge because it is too pure. Knowledge fears ignorance because it is too sure.

Don’t prepare. Begin. Our enemy is not lack of preparation. The enemy is resistance, our chattering brain producing excuses. Start before you are ready.

The only way to eliminate war is to love our children more than we hate our enemies.

We make our friends; we make our enemies; but God makes our next door neighbour.

Never explain – your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.

Fear is the enemy of hope.

Enemies are so stimulating.