The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

If the chief party, whether it be the people, or the army, or the nobility, which you think most useful and of most consequence to you for the conservation of your dignity, be corrupt, you must follow their humor and indulge them, and in that case honesty and virtue are pernicious.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

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

For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.

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.

For as good habits of the people require good laws to support them, so laws, to be observed, need good habits on the part of the people.