Men are more ready to offend one who desires to be beloved than one who wishes to be feared.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither of himself nor by explanation. The first is excellent, the second, commendable, and the third, altogether useless.
Niccolo MachiavelliTo ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders.
Niccolo MachiavelliGod is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs to us.
Niccolo MachiavelliFrom the latter he is defended by being well armed and having good allies, and if he is well armed he will have good friends, and affairs will always remain quiet within when they are quiet without, unless they should have been already disturbed by conspiracy; and even should affairs outside be disturbed, if he has carried out his preparations and has lived as I have said, as long as he does not despair, he will resist every attack.
Niccolo Machiavelli