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

Power is the pivot on which everything hinges. He who has the power is always right; the weaker is always wrong.

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

A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

Nothing is of greater importance in time of war than in knowing how to make the best use of a fair opportunity when it is offered.

There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.