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

A wise man ought always to follow the paths beaten by great men, and to imitate those who have been supreme, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savor of it. Let him act like the clever archers who, designing to hit the mark which yet appears too far distant, and knowing the limits to which the strength of their bow attains, take aim much higher than the mark, not to reach by their strength or arrow to so great a height, but to be able with the aid of so high an aim to hit the mark they wish to reach.

The nature of man is such that people consider themselves put under an obligation as much by the benefits they confer as by those they receive.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.

A prince must not have any objective nor any thought, nor take up any art, other than the art of war and its ordering and discipline; because it is the only art that pertains to him who commands. And it is of such virtue that not only does it maintain those who were born princes, but many times makes men rise to that rank from private station.

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.

The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.