For a prince should have two fears: one, internal concerning his subjects; the other, external, concerning foreign powers. From the latter he can always defend himself by his good troops and friends; and he will always have good friends if he has good troops.

Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.

All the armed prophets conquered; all the unarmed ones perished.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

It is a common failing of man not to take account of tempests during fair weather.

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

The end of the republic is to enervate and to weaken all other bodies so as to increase its own body.