All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.

Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.

...the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.

When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.

....for friendships that are acquired by a price and not by greatness and nobility of character are purchased but are not owned, and at the proper moment they cannot be spent.

To ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders.