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

Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

Therefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them. And I shall dare to say this also, that to have them and always to observe them is injurious, and that to appear to have them is useful; to appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious, upright, and to be so, but with a mind so framed that should you require not to be so, you may be able and know how to change to the opposite.

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

Men are so stupid and concerned with their present needs, they will always let themselves be deceived.

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