A wise prince will seek means by which his subjects will always and in every possible condition of things have need of his government, and then they will always be faithful to him.

Change has no constituency.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

It is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved? It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both: but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.

Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.

Always assume incompetence before looking for conspiracy.

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.