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.

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

He who has once begun to live by rapine always finds reasons for taking what is not his.

You know better than I that in a Republic talent is always suspect. A man attains an elevated position only when his mediocrity prevents him from being a threat to others. And for this reason a democracy is never governed by the most competent, but rather by those whose insignificance will not jeopardize anyone else's self-esteem.

Men are so simple of mind, and so much dominated by their immediate needs, that a deceitful man will always find plenty who are ready to be deceived.

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