A prince must not have any other object nor any other thought… but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only art befitting one who commands.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

Men in general judge more by the sense of sight than by the sense of touch, because everyone can see but few can test by feeling. Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are; and those few do not dare take a stand against the general opinion.

it is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.