The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness.

It may be observed, that provinces amid the vicissitudes to which they are subject, pass from order into confusion, and afterward recur to a state of order again; for the nature of mundane affairs not allowing them to continue in an even course, when they have arrived at their greatest perfection, they soon begin to decline.

To know well the nature of the people one must be a prince, and to know well the nature of princes one must be of the people.

Never lead your soldiers to battle if you have not first confirmed their spirit and known them to be without fear and ordered; and never test them except when you see that they hope to win.

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.