To know well the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to know well the nature of princes one must be of the people.

You have to be a prince to understand the people, and you have to belong to the people to understand the princes.

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.

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

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.

Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature, whenever they may find occasion for it.