There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

He who desires or attempts to reform the government of a state and wishes to have it accepted, must at least retain the semblance of the old forms; so that it may seem to the people that there has been no change in the institutions, even though in fact they are entirely different from the old ones. For the great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities.

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Men in general judge more by the sense of sight than by the sense of touch, because everyone can see but few can test by feeling. Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are; and those few do not dare take a stand against the general opinion.

One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

Men are always averse to enterprises in which they foresee difficulties.