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.

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.

You have to be a prince to understand the people, and you have to belong to the people to understand the princes.

Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.

One arises from a low to a high station more often by using fraud instead of force.

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.