Republics have a longer life and enjoy better fortune than principalities, because they can profit by their greater internal diversity. They are the better able to meet emergencies.

Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.

In war, discipline can do more than fury.

Never was anything great achieved without danger.

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.

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

Only those means of security are good, are certain, are lasting, that depend on yourself and your own vigor.