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The finest plans have always been spoiled by the littleness of them that should carry them out. Even emperors can't do it all by themselves.

I have seen three emperors in their nakedness, and the sight was not inspiring.

The only safe ruler is he who has learned to obey willingly.

Some deemed him wondrous wise, and some believed him mad.

Of the seven deadly sins, anger has long been the one with the best box of costumes. When the guy in the next car rages at you, he's dangerous. When you rage at him, you're just. We can usually recognize the results of anger, especially in others, as destructive and evil.

Name me an emperor who was ever struck by a cannonball.

I always like to reveal the fact that the emperor has no clothes. And children are best at that. They teach us how to see the world in that sense. They are without artifice; they see it for what it is. I am drawn to that ruthless honesty.

The German Emperor is ageing me; he is like a battleship with steam up and screws going, but with no rudder, and he will run into something some day and cause a catastrophe.

Better a living beggar than a buried emperor.