Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

Is it better to be loved or feared?

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

Men never do good unless necessity drives them to it; but when they are free to choose and can do just as they please, confusion and disorder become rampant.

The peasant wants only to be left alone to prosper in peace.

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

As the observance of divine institutions is the cause of the greatness of republics, so the disregard of them produces their ruin; for where the fear of God is wanting, there the country will come to ruin, unless it be sustained the fear of the prince, which temporarily supply the want of religion.