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.

It's easier to fight one's enemies than to get on with one's friends.

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

One of man's greatest failings is that he looks almost always for an excuse, in the misfortune that befalls him through his own fault, before looking for a remedy-which means he often finds the remedy too late.

Great men help dazzle the people; after that, they dazzle themselves even more dangerously.

Timorous minds are much more inclined to deliberate than to resolve.

Of all the passions, fear weakens judgment most.