Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

One should never allow chaos to develop in order to avoid going to war, because one does not avoid a war but instead puts it off to his disadvantage

Men are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.

In conclusion, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast.

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you do not have to fear their vengeance.

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.