A prince must be prudent enough to know how to escape the bad reputation of those vices that would lose the state for him, and must protect himself from those that will not lose it for him, if this is possible; but if he cannot, he need not concern himself unduly if he ignores these less serious vices.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

Ability and perseverance are the weapons of weakness.

Appear as you may wish to be

Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not to suffer.

A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity.

Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.