Speaking generally, men are ungrateful, fickle, hypocritical, fearful odanger and covetous ogain.

It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him.

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

It is much safer for the prince to be feared than loved, but he ought to avoid making himself hated.

A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Good order and discipline in any army are to be depended upon more than courage alone.