For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

You have to be a prince to understand the people, and you have to belong to the people to understand the princes.

Benefits should be granted little by little, so that they may be better enjoyed.

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

But in Republics there is a stronger vitality, a fiercer hatred, a keener thirst for revenge. The memory of their former freedom will not let them rest; so that the safest course is either to destroy them, or to go and live in them.