There are three kinds of brains. The one understands things unassisted, the other understands things when shown by others, the third understands neither alone nor with the explanations of others.

From this arises the question whether 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.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

A son could bear with great complacency, the death of his father, while the loss of his inheritance might drive him to despair.

Men are always averse to enterprises in which they foresee difficulties.

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.

The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as by those they receive.