Besides what has been said, people are fickle by nature; and it is a simple to convince them of something but difficult to hold them in that conviction; and, therefore, affairs should be managed in such a way that when they no longer believe, they can be made to believe by force.

The princes who have done great things are the ones who have taken little account of their promises.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.

Nature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.

Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised.

Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.