Whoever is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself; for that power is produced by him either through craft or force; and both of these are suspected by the one who has been raised to power.

The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.

It is a foolish prince who entrusts the safety of his lands to hired men.

He who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed

For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.