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

A prince being thus obliged to know well how to act as a beast must imitate the fox and the lion, for the lion cannot protect himself from snares, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves.

When they remain in garrison, soldiers are maintained with fear and punishment; when they are then led to war, with hope and reward.

We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.

A wise man will see to it that his acts always seem voluntary and not done by compulsion, however much he may be compelled by necessity.

Good order makes men bold, and confusion, cowards.

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.