It is a true observation of ancient writers, that as men are apt to be cast down by adversity, so they, are easily satiated with prosperity, and that joy and grief produce the same effects. For whenever men are not obliged by necessity to fight they fight from ambition, which is so powerful a passion in the human breast that however high we reach we are never satisfied.

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.

We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.

There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.

A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed, but when they are hostile and hold him in hatred, then he must fear everything and everybody.