Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.

He is less likely to be mistaken who looks forward to a change in the affairs of the world than he who regards them as firm and stable.

Ambassadors are the eye and ear of states.

Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.

He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.

Experience has always shown, and reason also, that affairs which depend on many seldom succeed.

We fight to great disadvantage when we fight with those who have nothing to lose.