For without invention, no one was ever a great man in his own trade.

For a prince should have two fears: one, internal concerning his subjects; the other, external, concerning foreign powers. From the latter he can always defend himself by his good troops and friends; and he will always have good friends if he has good troops.

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

There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.

Is it better to be loved or feared?