A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

A wise prince then...should never be idle in times of peace but should industriously lay up stores of which to avail himself in times of adversity so that when fortune abandons him he may be prepared to resist her blows.

It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.

Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.

It is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

Human beings remain constant in their methods of conduct.