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.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.

And if such malignity is hidden for a time, it proceeds from the unknown reason that would not be known because the experience of the contrary had not been seen, but time, which is said to be the father of every truth, will cause it to be discovered.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

It is a foolish prince who entrusts the safety of his lands to hired men.

Never do your enemy a minor injury.

The world has always been the same; and there is always as much good fortune as bad in it.