The obstacle became his alibi for weakness.

The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag.

And if there is one path above all others to war, it is the path of weakness and disunity.

The poor old creature seemed now indeed like someone being drawn, lured, into events of which he has no real comprehension, by people with whom he wishes to be friendly, even to play, who entice him by encouraging that wish and by whom, because they really despise and desire to humilate him, he is finally entangled.

"Never follow somebody else's path; it doesn't work the same way twice for anyone... the path follows you and rolls up behind you as you walk, forcing the next person to find their own way.""...If you do not choose to lead, you will forever be led by others. Find what scares you, and do it. And you can make a difference, if you choose to do so."

And my problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own.

One must attempt to increase whatever weakness there may be in the opponent’s position; or, if there is none, one or more must be created.

One who, alone, would be unconquerable. But he weakens himself with allegiances.

I begin to realise how far others will go to keep us down.

Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

It is a weak man who blames his failures on the strength of others.

So in this matter also he attributed his own perfidy to others, vindicating thus his own political propensities.

The Government that is ahead of the people will inevitably be dragged down to their level, as the Government that is behind them will in the long run be dragged up (p.10).

We make a ladder of our vices, if we trample those same vices underfoot.