Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

A prince is also respected when he is a true friend and a true enemy; that is, when he declares himself on the side of one prince against another without any reservation.

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.

The forces of adversaries are more diminished by the loss of those who flee than of those who are killed.

It is the duty of a man of honor to teach others the good which he has not been able to do himself because of the malignity of the times, that this good finally can be done by another more loved in heaven.

Appear as you may wish to be