He who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building.
Niccolo MachiavelliTherefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.
Niccolo MachiavelliWith difficulty he is beaten who can estimate his own forces and those of his enemy.
Niccolo Machiavelli