The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.

One can generally say this about men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, simulators and deceivers, avoiders of danger, greedy for gain; and while you work for their good they are completely yours, offering you their blood, their property, their lives, and their sons when danger is far away; but when it comes nearer to you, they turn away.

Men are more ready to offend one who desires to be beloved than one who wishes to be feared.

The chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.

For whoever conquers a free Town, and does not demolish it, commits a great Error, and may expect to be ruin 'd himself.

When they remain in garrison, soldiers are maintained with fear and punishment; when they are then led to war, with hope and reward.

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself.