Despite his ruthless methods, Genghis Khan was not an impulsive killer. He avoided battle if diplomacy would work, and he was skilled at using spies to help achieve his aims. He also maintained the tradition of choosing leaders in a mass meeting, and people under his rule were able to advance by ability rather than noble birth.

尽管成吉思汗的手段残忍，他却不是个逞一时之快的杀手。如果外交手段奏效，他会避免发动战争，而且他擅长利用间谍帮助他达到目标。他也保持群众大会选举首领的传统，在他统治下的子民均可凭其能力获得晋升，而不是凭其高贵的出身。

(短文节选,本篇始于：大漠英豪─成吉思汗)