A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.

Gold will not always get you good soldiers, but good soldiers can get you gold.

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.

As the observance of divine institutions is the cause of the greatness of republics, so the disregard of them produces their ruin; for where the fear of God is wanting, there the country will come to ruin, unless it be sustained the fear of the prince, which temporarily supply the want of religion.

For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are.

Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.

So long as the great majority of men are not deprived of either property or honor, they are satisfied.