He tasted death as a great matter, not a trivial one. This ambition drove him to declare his revolution despite the immense difficulties surrounding it and the dangers that lay in its path. In pursuit of his ambition and to satisfy his drive, he was constantly preoccupied with his cause, his thoughts never ceasing from contemplation and planning. Therefore, he is described as deep in thought, far-sighted, very silent, and prone to melancholy. When he separated from the council of scholars, he would hardly speak a word. This self-discipline and seriousness in achieving his goal earned him respect in the eyes of his followers and observers. He commanded awe in people's hearts and greatness in their chests. No one saw him without awe and reverence. This might have led him to exercise a degree of dominance and autocracy in his opinions, as he could not tolerate review or objection, especially from the common people. It appears that the councils he established for consultation were not binding on him, but were merely for advice. Among his qualities was that he was "vigilant in his affairs, in control of the authority entrusted to him." This includes his keen understanding of men's psychology and his accurate assessment of their intellectual and leadership capabilities, as evidenced by his choice of assistants who proved their worth over time. It also includes his good judgment of situations and his discernment of his opponents' intentions, as shown in the precision of his actions.