It is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

A wise ruler should rely on what is under his own control, not on what is under the control of others.

Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more.

The prince must be a lion, but he must also know how to play the fox.

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

Anyone who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it may expect to be destroyed by it; for such a city may always justify rebellion in the name of liberty and its ancient institutions.

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