He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss.

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never governed by the most competent, but rather by those whose insignificance will not jeopardize anyone else's self-esteem.

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

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

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.