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

It is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

The innovator has for enemies all who have done well under the old, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.

Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature, whenever they may find occasion for it.

Men ought either to be well treated, or crushed.