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.

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

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

For titles do not reflect honor on men, but rather men on their titles.

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.

Men are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither of himself nor by explanation. The first is excellent, the second, commendable, and the third, altogether useless.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.