States that rise quickly, just as all the other things of nature that are born and grow rapidly, cannot have roots and ramifications; the first bad weather kills them

He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss.

In our own days we have seen no princes accomplish great results save those who have been accounted miserly.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony

...the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.