When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content.

People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing they can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you do not have to fear their vengeance.

And if, to be sure, sometimes you need to conceal a fact with words, do it in such a way that it does not become known, or, if it does become known, that you have a ready and quick defense.

One man should not be afraid of improving his posessions, lest they be taken away from him, or another deterred by high taxes from starting a new business. Rather, the Prince should be ready to reward men who want to do these things and those who endeavour in any way to increase the prosperity of their city or their state.

The greatest remedy that is used against a plan of the enemy is to do voluntarily what he plans that you do by force.

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

Gold will not always get you good soldiers, but good soldiers can get you gold.