Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

He who builds on the people, builds on the mud

...people are by nature fickle, and it is easy to persuade them of something, but difficult to keep them persuaded.

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities that have never in truth been known to exist; the gulf between how one should live and how one does live is so wide that a man who neglects what is actually done for what should be done learns the way to self-destruction rather than self-preservation.

It is much safer for the prince to be feared than loved, but he ought to avoid making himself hated.

War brings out thieves and peace hangs them.

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