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Relieve your subjects of their fears. Do nothing in anger, but pretend anger if necessary. Let nothing escape you, but do not punish crimes as severely as they deserve. Show your authority by asserting the superiority of your intellect, and by showing your subjects that you have their interests at heart more than they themselves have. Be warlike in your preparation, peaceful in committing no unjust aggression. Be contentious only when victory will bring advantage. Respect those who carry out their ends rather than those who aim at the impossible.
Isocrates Cyprian Orations. Edward S. Forster.
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