One must be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to frighten wolves

All who contribute to the overthrow of religion, or to the ruin of kingdoms and commonwealths, all who are foes to letters and to the arts which confer honour and benefit on the human race (among whom I reckon the impious, the cruel, the ignorant, the indolent, the base and the worthless), are held in infamy and detestation.

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the laws, so the laws, if they are to be observed, have need of good morals.

The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among so many who are not virtuous.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

To know well the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to know well the nature of princes one must be of the people.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.