It is much safer for the prince to be feared than loved, but he ought to avoid making himself hated.

The end of the republic is to enervate and to weaken all other bodies so as to increase its own body.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.

...the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.