Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.

We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.

For as good habits of the people require good laws to support them, so laws, to be observed, need good habits on the part of the people.

The princes who have done great things are the ones who have taken little account of their promises.

Men are more ready to offend one who desires to be beloved than one who wishes to be feared.