From this arises the question whether it is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved. It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.

Wise men say, and not without reason, that whosoever wished to foresee the future might consult the past.

As all those have shown who have discussed civil institutions, and as every history is full of examples, it is necessary to whoever arranges to found a Republic and establish laws in it, to presuppose that all men are bad and that they will use their malignity of mind every time they have the opportunity.

In order not to annul our free will, I judge it true that Fortune may be mistress of one half our actions but then even she leaves the other half, or almost, under our control.

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

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.