it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.

Anyone who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it may expect to be destroyed by it; for such a city may always justify rebellion in the name of liberty and its ancient institutions.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.

Whoever takes it upon himself to establish a commonwealth and prescribe laws must presuppose all men naturally bad, and that they will yield to their innate evil passions as often as they can do so with safety.

A wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.

No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.