There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying

As all those have shown who have discussed civil institutions, and as every history is full of examples, it is necessary to whoever arranges to found a Republic and establish laws in it, to presuppose that all men are bad and that they will use their malignity of mind every time they have the opportunity.

Then also pretexts for seizing property are never wanting, and one who begins to live by rapine will always find some reason for taking the goods of others, whereas causes for taking life are rarer and more quickly destroyed.

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.