For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying

There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.

When settling disputes between his subjects, he should ensure that his judgement is irrevocable; and he should be so regarded that no one ever dreams of trying to deceive or trick him.

The Romans never allowed a trouble spot to remain simply to avoid going to war over it, because they knew that wars don't just go away, they are only postponed to someone else's advantage. Therefore, they made war with Philip and Antiochus in Greece, in order not to have to fight them in Italy... They never went by that saying which you constantly hear from the wiseacres of our day, that time heals all things. They trusted rather their own character and prudence- knowing perfectly well that time contains the seeds of all things, good as well as bad.

Good order makes men bold, and confusion, cowards.

A prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers.