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

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

It is much better to tempt fortune where it can favor you than to see your certain ruin by not tempting it.

A prince must not have any objective nor any thought, nor take up any art, other than the art of war and its ordering and discipline; because it is the only art that pertains to him who commands. And it is of such virtue that not only does it maintain those who were born princes, but many times makes men rise to that rank from private station.

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

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

Well used are those cruelties (if it is permitted to speak well of evil) that are carried out in a single stroke, done out of necessity to protect oneself, and are not continued but are instead converted into the greatest possible benefits for the subjects. Badly used are those cruelties which. although being few at the outset, grow with the passing time instead of disappearing. Those who follow the first method can remedy their condition with God and with men; the others cannot possibly survive.