Men are so simple of mind, and so much dominated by their immediate needs, that a deceitful man will always find plenty who are ready to be deceived.

Men may second fortune, but they cannot thwart her.

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.

And above all you ought to guard against leading an army to fight which is afraid or which is not confident of victory. For the greatest sign of an impending loss is when one does not believe one can win.

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.

There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.