But in Republics there is a stronger vitality, a fiercer hatred, a keener thirst for revenge. The memory of their former freedom will not let them rest; so that the safest course is either to destroy them, or to go and live in them.

The ends justifies the means.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony

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

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.

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.