The end of the republic is to enervate and to weaken all other bodies so as to increase its own body.
He who builds on the people, builds on the mud
Men are driven by two principal impulses, either by love or by fear.
Whoever is the cause of another becoming powerful, is ruined himself.
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Therefore the best fortress is to be found in the love of the people, for although you may have fortresses they will not save you if you are hated by the people.