Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.

My view is that it is desirable to be both loved and feared; but it is difficult to achieve both and, if one of them has to be lacking, it is much safer to be feared than loved.

He who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

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