Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

One should never fall in the belief that you can find someone to pick you up.

For it must be noted, that men must either be caressed or else annihilated; they will revenge themselves for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones; the injury therefore that we do to a man must be such that we need not fear his vengeance.

Though fraud in all other actions be odious, yet in matters of war it is laudable and glorious, and he who overcomes his enemies by stratagem is as much to be praised as he who overcomes them by force.