One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

Men are always wicked at bottom unless they are made good by some compulsion.

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

No one should therefore fear that he cannot accomplish what others have accomplished, for, men are born, live, and die in quite the same way they always have.

Men as a whole judge more with their eyes than with their hands.

For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.