It is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved? It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Men are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither of himself nor by explanation. The first is excellent, the second, commendable, and the third, altogether useless.

In the armies and among every ten men there is one of more life, of more heart, or at least of more authority, who with his courage, with words and by example keeps the others firm and disposed to fight.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.

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

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