And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through grandeur and nobility of spirit is merited but is not secured, and at times is not to be had.

Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.

So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil.

The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.

Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves

Half of these aren't even Machiavelli. Some are Plato, Thucydides etc....doesnt anyone check these?

If the chief party, whether it be the people, or the army, or the nobility, which you think most useful and of most consequence to you for the conservation of your dignity, be corrupt, you must follow their humor and indulge them, and in that case honesty and virtue are pernicious.