The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Niccolo Machiavelli

The mere holding of slaves, therefore, is a condition having per se nothing of moral character in it, any more than the being a parent, or employer, or ruler.
Samuel Morse

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
Niccolo Machiavelli

The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell.
George W. Bush

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

The paranoiac is the exact image of the ruler. The only difference is their position in the world. One might even think the paranoiac the more impressive of the two because he is sufficient unto himself and cannot be shaken by failure.
Elias Canetti

You must welcome change as the rule but not as your ruler.
Denis Waitley

Your real self - the "I am I" - is master of this land, the ruler of this empire. You rightfully have power and dominion over it, all its inhabitants, and all contained in its realm.
Robert Collier