He who builds on the people, builds on the mud

Hence it comes that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

....those who become princes through their skill acquire the pricipality with difficulty, buy they hold onto it with ease.

Men are of three different capacities: one understands intuitively; another understands so far as it is explained; and a third understands neither of himself nor by explanation. The first is excellent, the second, commendable, and the third, altogether useless.

I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.

Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not to suffer.