The unarmed man is not just defenseless - he is also contemptible.

For government consists in nothing else but so controlling subjects that they shall neither be able to, nor have cause to do [it] harm.

If the chief party, whether it be the people, or the army, or the nobility, which you think most useful and of most consequence to you for the conservation of your dignity, be corrupt, you must follow their humor and indulge them, and in that case honesty and virtue are pernicious.

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.

The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.

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.

Without doubt, ferocious and disordered men are much weaker than timid and ordered ones. For order chases fear from men and disorder lessens ferocity.