Eis ton kratiston. (To the strongest.)

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.

Youth on horseback has passed. The world is at peace and white hairs multiply. With what remains of life that heaven permits, how can I not enjoy it?

-- The 'One-Eyed Dragon' of northern Japan who carved

People are the castle, people are the walls, people are the moat. Compassion makes allies; cruelty makes enemies.

-- The 'Tiger of Kai' who transformed his landlocked mountain domain into one of Sengoku Japan's most formidable military powers

Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.

-- The peasant who became ruler of all Japan

Without first establishing internal governance, there can be no external campaigns.

-- The ruthlessly effective architect of modern Japan who built the Meiji state's institutions while his more charismatic peers took the glory

Revere Heaven, Love People.

-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority

A man who wants neither life, nor fame, nor rank, nor money — such a man is the hardest to deal with.

-- The charismatic giant who led Japan's Meiji Restoration through force of personality and moral authority