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.

It is a common failing of man not to take account of tempests during fair weather.

A blast in the human breast is nothing to boast of.

Wise men say, and not without reason, that whosoever wished to foresee the future might consult the past.

He who would foresee what is to happen should look to what has happened: for all that is has its counterpart in time past.

It is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved? It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.