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.

There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

And when neither their property nor honour is touched, the majority of men live content, and he has only to contend with the ambition of a few, whom he can curb with ease in many ways.

Anyone who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it may expect to be destroyed by it; for such a city may always justify rebellion in the name of liberty and its ancient institutions.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

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