With difficulty he is beaten who can estimate his own forces and those of his enemy.

Nature that framed us of four elements, warring within our breasts for regiment, doth teach us all to have aspiring minds.

That prince is highly esteemed who conveys this impression of himself, and he who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against; for, provided it is well known that he is an excellent man and revered by his people, he can only be attacked with difficulty.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.

There is nothing that Nature seems to have inclined us to as much as society.

Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.