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

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

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.

Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please.

So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.