When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no one ever dreams of trying to deceive or trick him.

Men are always wicked at bottom unless they are made good by some compulsion.

How perilous it is to free a people who prefer slavery.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

If the course of human affairs be considered, it will be seen that many things arise against which heaven does not allow us to guard.

Men seldom rise from low condition to high rank without employing either force or fraud, unless that rank should be attained either by gift or inheritance.

For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.