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.

By the delusions of seeming good the people are often misled to desire their own ruin; and they are frequently influenced by great hopes and brave promises.

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

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

One arises from a low to a high station more often by using fraud instead of force.

Men are more ready to offend one who desires to be beloved than one who wishes to be feared.

It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success, and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new. Their support is lukewarm ... partly because men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things unless they have tested them by experience.