One never finds anything perfectly pure and ... exempt from danger.

The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.

We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders.

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.

When men receive favours from someone they expected to do them ill, they are under a greater obligation to their benefactor.

Men are more ready to offend one who desires to be beloved than one who wishes to be feared.

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.