Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no one ever dreams of trying to deceive or trick him.

Men are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.

To keep your actions and your plans secret always has been a very good thing . .. Marcus Crassus said to one who asked him when he was going to move the army: 'Do you believe that you will be the only one not to hear the trumpet?

In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.