Although deceit is detestable in all other things, yet in the conduct of war it is laudable and honorable; and a commander who vanquishes an enemy by stratagem is equally praised with one who gains victory by force.

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

There is nothing as likely to succeed as what the enemy believes you cannot attempt.

In our own days we have seen no princes accomplish great results save those who have been accounted miserly.

And truly it is a very natural and ordinary thing to desire to acquire, and always, when men do it who can, they will be praised or not blamed; but when they cannot, and wish to do it anyway, here lies the error and the blame.

Men are more apt to be mistaken in their generalizations than in their particular observations.

Appear as you may wish to be