The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.

It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him.

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.

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