One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.

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.

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

Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised.

There are three kinds of brains: One understands of itself, another can be taught to understand, and the third can neither understand to itself or be taught to understand.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.