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

It is much safer for the prince to be feared than loved, but he ought to avoid making himself hated.

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are.

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

Conquered states that have been accustomed to liberty and the government of their own laws can be held by the conqueror in three different ways. The first is to ruin them; the second, for the conqueror to go and reside there in person; and the third is to allow them to continue to live under their own laws, subject to a regular tribute, and to create in them a government of a few, who will keep the country friendly to the conqueror

A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed, but when they are hostile and hold him in hatred, then he must fear everything and everybody.