It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him.

So long as the great majority of men are not deprived of either property or honor, they are satisfied.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.

Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not to suffer.

For one change always leaves a dovetail into which another will fit.

In conclusion, the arms of others either fall from your back, or they weigh you down, or they bind you fast.