A prince must not have any objective nor any thought, nor take up any art, other than the art of war and its ordering and discipline; because it is the only art that pertains to him who commands. And it is of such virtue that not only does it maintain those who were born princes, but many times makes men rise to that rank from private station.

Then also pretexts for seizing property are never wanting, and one who begins to live by rapine will always find some reason for taking the goods of others, whereas causes for taking life are rarer and more quickly destroyed.

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself.

For the mob is always impressed by appearances and by results, and the world is composed of the mob.

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.

For one change always leaves a dovetail into which another will fit.

The forces of adversaries are more diminished by the loss of those who flee than of those who are killed.