The reason is that nature has so created men that they are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything: so that the desire being always greater than the acquisition, there results discontent with the possession and little satisfaction to themselves from it. From this arises the changes in their fortunes; for as men desire, some to have more, some in fear of losing their acquisition, there ensues enmity and war, from which results the ruin of that province and the elevation of another.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.
Niccolo MachiavelliHe who has annexed them, if he wishes to hold them, has only to bear in mind two considerations: the one, that the family of their former lord is extinguished; the other, that neither their laws nor their taxes are altered, so that in a very short time they will become entirely one body with the old principality.
Niccolo MachiavelliMen are so stupid and concerned with their present needs, they will always let themselves be deceived.
Niccolo Machiavelli