Men as a whole judge more with their eyes than with their hands.

To keep your actions and your plans secret always has been a very good thing . .. Marcus Crassus said to one who asked him when he was going to move the army: 'Do you believe that you will be the only one not to hear the trumpet?

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

The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people.

Thus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.

In our own days we have seen no princes accomplish great results save those who have been accounted miserly.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.