Courage without prudence is mere recklessness.

A few disciplined men are worth more than a disorganized multitude.

Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.

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

I fight my enemies with swords, not with salt.

-- The 'Dragon of Echigo' — a Sengoku-era warlord whose devotion to righteous warfare and Buddhist faith made him Japan's most paradoxical military figure

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

Can you call yourself human if you forget your debts of loyalty and pursue only selfish gain?

-- Called 'the greatest warrior in Japan' by his enem

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

-- The peasant who became ruler of all Japan

Revere Heaven, Love People.

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