Philip II

"The greatest inheritance is not wealth but wisdom."

"I have come to understand that power is a burden, not a blessing."

"In times of peace, prepare for war; in times of war, seek peace."

"I am but dust, returning to dust, as all men do."

"The foundation of all law is the law of God."

"I have learned that kindness is never wasted."

"In the face of eternity, our earthly concerns seem small."

"The greatest glory of a king lies not in conquest, but in the wise governance of his realm."

"A man who cannot control his passions is unfit to control a kingdom."

"Patience is the virtue of kings, for hasty decisions lead to ruin."

"The pen and the sword are both instruments of power; choose wisely which to wield."

"To understand your enemy is to have already won half the battle."

"A treasury depleted is a kingdom weakened; spend with purpose, not excess."

"The divine will works through human hands; therefore, act with reverence."

"Knowledge of the law is the foundation upon which justice stands."

"Those who hesitate in the face of duty are already defeated."

"A king's word must be his bond, or he is no better than a thief."

"The greatest strength is knowing when not to use force."

"Time lost cannot be reclaimed; therefore, waste not a moment."

"In unity of purpose lies the power to move mountains."

"A man isolated from counsel is a man blind to reality."

"The arts elevate the spirit and reflect the glory of God."

"Ambition without principle is the downfall of men and nations."

"Death comes to all; what matters is how we live before it arrives."

"The study of history teaches us the follies we must avoid."

"To delegate is not to diminish one's authority, but to multiply it."

"False hope is worse than despair, for it leads men to foolish action."

"The measure of a man is not his birth, but his deeds."

"Nature reveals the hand of the Creator; study it with humility."

"Those who forget their origins are doomed to repeat their mistakes."