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.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

A blast in the human breast is nothing to boast of.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

Men are always wicked at bottom unless they are made good by some compulsion.

Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather bring about his own ruin than his preservation.

To know in war how to recognize an opportunity and seize it is better than anything else.