The end of the republic is to enervate and to weaken all other bodies so as to increase its own body.

The sinews of war are not gold, but good soldiers.

Although deceit is detestable in all other things, yet in the conduct of war it is laudable and honorable; and a commander who vanquishes an enemy by stratagem is equally praised with one who gains victory by force.

We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders.

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

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

One must consider the final result