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

You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never governed by the most competent, but rather by those whose insignificance will not jeopardize anyone else's self-esteem.

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

He who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed

For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying

The peasant wants only to be left alone to prosper in peace.

Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.