Men generally decide upon a middle course, which is most hazardous, for they know neither how to be entirely good nor entirely bad.

With difficulty he is beaten who can estimate his own forces and those of his enemy.

Whoever is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself; for that power is produced by him either through craft or force; and both of these are suspected by the one who has been raised to power.

...it is a base thing to look to others for your defense instead of depending upon yourself. That defense alone is effectual, sure, and durable which depends upon yourself and your own valor.

A battle that you win cancels all your mistakes.

Every little advantage is of great moment when men have to come to blows.

For as laws are necessary that good manners be preserved, so there is need of good manners that law may be maintained.