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

The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.

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

When men receive favours from someone they expected to do them ill, they are under a greater obligation to their benefactor.

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

Impetuosity and audacity often achieve what ordinary means fail to achieve.

With difficulty he is beaten who can estimate his own forces and those of his enemy.