The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.

Appear as you may wish to be

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

Every little advantage is of great moment when men have to come to blows.

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more.

A prince being thus obliged to know well how to act as a beast must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from snares, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves.

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.