For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.

...it behooves us to adapt oneself to the times if one wants to enjoy continued good fortune.

So long as the great majority of men are not deprived of either property or honor, they are satisfied.

There is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new order of things..... Whenever his enemies have occasion to attack the innovator they do so with the passion of partisans, while the others defend him sluggishly so that the innovator and his party alike are vulnerable.

Without doubt, ferocious and disordered men are much weaker than timid and ordered ones. For order chases fear from men and disorder lessens ferocity.

If the course of human affairs be considered, it will be seen that many things arise against which heaven does not allow us to guard.

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the laws, so the laws, if they are to be observed, have need of good morals.