In conclusion, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast.

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

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

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

When every province of the world so teems with inhabitants that they can neither subsist where they are nor remove themselves elsewhere.

The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common, and men always do so when they can.but when they cannot do so, yet wish to do so by any means, then there is folly and blame.

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.