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

Well used are those cruelties (if it is permitted to speak well of evil) that are carried out in a single stroke, done out of necessity to protect oneself, and are not continued but are instead converted into the greatest possible benefits for the subjects. Badly used are those cruelties which. although being few at the outset, grow with the passing time instead of disappearing. Those who follow the first method can remedy their condition with God and with men; the others cannot possibly survive.

We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.

To ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders.

For one change always leaves a dovetail into which another will fit.