Hence it comes that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.

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.

A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.

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

Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

A multitude is strong while it holds together, but so soon as each of those who compose it begins ro think of his own private danger, it becomes weak and contemptible.