Before all else, be armed.

Republics have a longer life and enjoy better fortune than principalities, because they can profit by their greater internal diversity. They are the better able to meet emergencies.

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised.