By the delusions of seeming good the people are often misled to desire their own ruin; and they are frequently influenced by great hopes and brave promises.

One should never allow chaos to develop in order to avoid going to war, because one does not avoid a war but instead puts it off to his disadvantage

Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.

In our own days we have seen no princes accomplish great results save those who have been accounted miserly.

The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.

One should never permit a disorder to persist in order to avoid a war, for wars cannot be avoided and can only be deferred to the advantage of others.

It is better to be bold than too circumspect, because fortune is of a sex which likes not a tardy wooer and repulses all who are not ardent.