Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.

A prince who is not himself wise cannot be wisely advised. . . . Good advice depends on the shrewdness of the prince who seeks it, and not the shrewdness of the prince on good advice.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

It has always been the opinion and judgment of wise men that nothing can be so uncertain as fame or power not founded on its own strength.

He who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building.