War 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.

I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles

It is better to be bold than too circumspect, because fortune is of a sex which likes not a tardy wooer and repulses all who are not ardent.

Forgiveness proceeds from a generous soul.

The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.

In conclusion, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.