Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.

The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common, and men always do so when they can.but when they cannot do so, yet wish to do so by any means, then there is folly and blame.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

It is necessary that the prince should know how to color his nature well, and how to be a hypocrite and dissembler. For men are so simple, and yield so much to immediate necessity, that the deceiver will never lack dupes.

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?

Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.