There are three kinds of brains: One understands of itself, another can be taught to understand, and the third can neither understand to itself or be taught to understand.

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.

For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.

No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.

God creates men, but they choose each other.

The leader should know how to enter into evil when necessity commands.