One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

No one should therefore fear that he cannot accomplish what others have accomplished, for, men are born, live, and die in quite the same way they always have.

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

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

Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.

When you disarm your subjects, however, you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you.