The prince must be a lion, but he must also know how to play the fox.

Decide which is the line of conduct that presents the fewest drawbacks and then follow it out as being the best one, because one never finds anything perfectly pure and unmixed, or exempt from danger.

...the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.

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

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 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.