One man should not be afraid of improving his posessions, lest they be taken away from him, or another deterred by high taxes from starting a new business. Rather, the Prince should be ready to reward men who want to do these things and those who endeavour in any way to increase the prosperity of their city or their state.

When men receive favours from someone they expected to do them ill, they are under a greater obligation to their benefactor.

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.

Whoever is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself.

He who makes war his profession cannot be otherwise than vicious. War makes thieves, and peace brings them to the gallows.

A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.

Occasionally words must serve to veil the facts. But let this happen in such a way that no one become aware of it; or, if it should be noticed, excuses must be at hand to be produced immediately.