We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

....it cannot be called ingenuity to kill one's fellow citizens, to betray friends, to be without faith, without mercy, without religion; by these means one can aquire power but not glory.

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

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.