Men are more apt to be mistaken in their generalizations than in their particular observations.

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

And truly it is a very natural and ordinary thing to desire to acquire, and always, when men do it who can, they will be praised or not blamed; but when they cannot, and wish to do it anyway, here lies the error and the blame.

I hold strongly to this: that it is better to be impetuous than circumspect; because fortune is a woman and if she is to be submissive it is necessary to beat and coerce her.

All the armed prophets conquered; all the unarmed ones perished.

How laudable it is for a prince to keep good faith and live with integrity, and not with astuteness, every one knows. Still the experience of our times shows those princes to have done great things who have had little regard for good faith, and have been able by astuteness to confuse men's brains, and who have ultimately overcome those who have made loyalty their foundation.

To ensure victory the troops must have confidence in themselves as well as in their commanders.