as the physicians say it happens in hectic fever, that in the beginning of the malady it is easy to cure but difficult to detect, but in the course of time, not having been either detected or treated in the beginning, it becomes easy to detect but difficult to cure

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.

So far as he is able, a prince should stick to the path of good but, if the necessity arises, he should know how to follow evil.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

When every province of the world so teems with inhabitants that they can neither subsist where they are nor remove themselves elsewhere.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony

Men are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.