Writing is only good for recording names. Swordsmanship defeats one man — that's not worth learning. I want to learn what defeats ten thousand.

My strength uproots mountains, my spirit overshadows the world.

Heaven destroys me — it is not a failure of warfare.

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

After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.

-- Toyotomi Hideyoshi's chief strategist and the architect of his greatest victories

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

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