I hold it to be a proof of great prudence for men to abstain from threats and insulting words toward anyone, for neither diminishes the strength of the enemy.

It is necessary that the prince should know how to color his nature well, and how to be a hypocrite and dissembler. For men are so simple, and yield so much to immediate necessity, that the deceiver will never lack dupes.

The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

A wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.

Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.