If the present be compared with the remote past, it is easily seen that in all cities and in all peoples there are the same desires and the same passions as there always were.

Princes should delegate to others the enactment of unpopular measures and keep in their own hands the means of winning favours.

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through grandeur and nobility of spirit is merited but is not secured, and at times is not to be had.

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.

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

He who would foresee what is to happen should look to what has happened: for all that is has its counterpart in time past.