Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities that have never in truth been known to exist; the gulf between how one should live and how one does live is so wide that a man who neglects what is actually done for what should be done learns the way to self-destruction rather than self-preservation.

Benefits should be granted little by little, so that they may be better enjoyed.

Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.

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.

Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.

Cruelties should be committed all at once.