God creates men, but they choose each other.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it; but when they are free to choose and can do just as they please, confusion and disorder become rampant.

Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves

That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with difficulty.

Men as a whole judge more with their eyes than with their hands.

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