A prince who is not himself wise cannot be wisely advised. . . . Good advice depends on the shrewdness of the prince who seeks it, and not the shrewdness of the prince on good advice.

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

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

Necessities can be many, but the one that is stronger is that which constrains you to win or to die.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

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.

Is it better to be loved or feared?