Impetuosity and audacity often achieve what ordinary means fail to achieve.

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

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

A wise prince then...should never be idle in times of peace but should industriously lay up stores of which to avail himself in times of adversity so that when fortune abandons him he may be prepared to resist her blows.

Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.