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.

All the armed prophets conquered; all the unarmed ones perished.

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.

The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.

Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.

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

Nature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.