It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

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

A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.

Never do an enemy a small injury.

In conclusion, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast.

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

Human beings remain constant in their methods of conduct.