As the observance of divine institutions is the cause of the greatness of republics, so the disregard of them produces their ruin; for where the fear of God is wanting, there the country will come to ruin, unless it be sustained the fear of the prince, which temporarily supply the want of religion.

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

Men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony

If the course of human affairs be considered, it will be seen that many things arise against which heaven does not allow us to guard.

The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes.

A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed, but when they are hostile and hold him in hatred, then he must fear everything and everybody.

So long as the great majority of men are not deprived of either property or honor, they are satisfied.