The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.

Necessities can be many, but the one that is stronger is that which constrains you to win or to die.

Because just as good morals, if they are to be maintained, have need of the laws, so the laws, if they are to be observed, have need of good morals.

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.

A prudent man... must behave like those archers who, if they are skillful, when the target seems too distant, know the capabilities of their bow and aim a good deal higher than their objective, not in order to shoot so high but so that by aiming high they can reach the target.

Wise men say, and not without reason, that whosoever wished to foresee the future might consult the past.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud