To know in war how to recognize an opportunity and seize it is better than anything else.
Niccolo MachiavelliHe who becomes a Prince through the favour of the people should always keep on good terms with them; which it is easy for him to do, since all they ask is not to be oppressed
Niccolo MachiavelliOnly those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.
Niccolo MachiavelliMany have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather bring about his own ruin than his preservation.
Niccolo Machiavelli