Never do an enemy a small injury.

Since the handling of arms is a beautiful spectacle, it is delightful to young men.

A prince who is not himself wise cannot be wisely advised. . . . Good advice depends on the shrewdness of the prince who seeks it, and not the shrewdness of the prince on good advice.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.

A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed, but when they are hostile and hold him in hatred, then he must fear everything and everybody.

It is a foolish prince who entrusts the safety of his lands to hired men.