I assert once again as a truth to which history as a whole bears witness that men may second their fortune, but cannot oppose it; that they may weave its warp, but cannot break it. Yet they should never give up, because there is always hope, though they know not the end and more towards it along roads which cross one another and as yet are unexplored; and since there is hope, they should not despair, no matter what fortune brings or in what travail they find themselves.
Niccolo MachiavelliWar should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans.
Niccolo MachiavelliWe have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.
Niccolo MachiavelliResults are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.
Niccolo Machiavelli