I hold it to be a proof of great prudence for men to abstain from threats and insulting words toward anyone, for neither diminishes the strength of the enemy.
Niccolo MachiavelliHe who makes war his profession cannot be otherwise than vicious. War makes thieves, and peace brings them to the gallows.
Niccolo MachiavelliThe forces of adversaries are more diminished by the loss of those who flee than of those who are killed.
Niccolo MachiavelliIt is much better to tempt fortune where it can favor you than to see your certain ruin by not tempting it.
Niccolo Machiavelli