For this is the tragedy of man circumstances change, but he does not.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

He who is the cause of another's advancement is thereby the cause of his own ruin.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.

I hold it to be a proof of great prudence for men to abstain from threats and insulting words toward anyone, for neither diminishes the strength of the enemy.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.