Ability and perseverance are the weapons of weakness.

Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised.

There is nothing that Nature seems to have inclined us to as much as society.

Men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved than one who makes himself feared because love is held together by a chain of obligation which, since men are wretched creatures, is broken on every occasion in which their own interests are concerned; but fear is sustained by dread of punishment which will never abandon you.

And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined, for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through grandeur and nobility of spirit is merited but is not secured, and at times is not to be had.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.