When you are obliged to make a statement that you know will cause displeasure, you must say it with every appearance of sincerity; this is the only way to make it palatable.

A man who does not trust himself will never really trust anybody.

Where princes are concerned, a man who is able to do good is as dangerous and almost as criminal as a man who intends to do evil.

There are no small steps in great affairs.

If you have to make an unpopular speech, give it all the sincerity you can muster; that's the only way to sweeten it.

Of all the passions, fear weakens judgment most.

She knew how to trust people... a rare quality, revealing a character far above average.