Kautilya: The Machiavelli of the East

http://www.returnofkings.com/67718/an-introduction-to-the-machiavelli-of-the-east

A man is born alone and dies alone; he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone, and he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode. – Kautilya

Those who seek to achieve things should show no mercy. – Kautilya

Inch Time Foot Gem

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen Teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very long attending his office and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others.
Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters and gave them to the man:

Not twice this day
Inch time foot gem. This day will not come again.
Each minute is worth a priceless gem.

Source: http://www.ashidakim.com/zenkoans/32inchtimefootgem.html