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

He who has once begun to live by rapine always finds reasons for taking what is not his.

The prince must consider, as has been in part said before, how to avoid those things which will make him hated or contemptible; and as often as he shall have succeeded he will have fulfilled his part, and he need not fear any danger in other reproaches.

Prudence therefore consists in knowing how to distinguish degrees of disadvantage.

I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.

Never do your enemy a minor injury.