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.

If someone puts up the argument that King Louis gave the Romagna to Pope Alexander, and the kingdom of Naples to Spain, in order to avoid a war, I would answer as I did before: that you should never let things get out of hand in order to avoid war. You don't avoid such a war, you merely postpone it, to your own disadvantage.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

He who would foresee what is to happen should look to what has happened: for all that is has its counterpart in time past.

Is it better to be loved or feared?