Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.
Niccolo MachiavelliWe have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen nearly always follow the tracks made by others and proceed in their affairs by imitation, even though they cannot entirely keep to the tracks of others or emulate the prowess of their models. So a prudent man should always follow in the footsteps of great men and imitate those who have been outstanding.
Niccolo Machiavelli