Nothing is of greater importance in time of war than in knowing how to make the best use of a fair opportunity when it is offered.

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.

Whoever is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself; for that power is produced by him either through craft or force; and both of these are suspected by the one who has been raised to power.

Since the handling of arms is a beautiful spectacle, it is delightful to young men.

The peasant wants only to be left alone to prosper in peace.

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.