Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.

I have never had any [enemies] other than those of the state.

Bakers of bread rolls and pastry cooks will not buy grain before eleven o'clock in winter and noon in summer; bakers of large loaves will not buy grain before two o'clock. This will enable the people of the town to obtain their supply first. Bakers shall put a distinctive trademark on their loaves, and keep weights and scales in their shops, under penalty of having their licenses removed.

To mislead a rival, deception is permissable; one may use all means against his enemies.

Nothing so upholds the laws as the punishment of persons whose rank is as great as their crime.

Nothing is as dangerous for the state as those who would govern kingdoms with maxims found in books.

Did you think I was immortal?