There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

It may be observed, that provinces amid the vicissitudes to which they are subject, pass from order into confusion, and afterward recur to a state of order again; for the nature of mundane affairs not allowing them to continue in an even course, when they have arrived at their greatest perfection, they soon begin to decline.

Conquered states that have been accustomed to liberty and the government of their own laws can be held by the conqueror in three different ways. The first is to ruin them; the second, for the conqueror to go and reside there in person; and the third is to allow them to continue to live under their own laws, subject to a regular tribute, and to create in them a government of a few, who will keep the country friendly to the conqueror

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.